Salt Iodization and Iodine Status Among Infants and Lactating Mothers in Papua New Guinea (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) are the adverse health effects associated with inadequate intake of iodine [1]. Universal salt iodization (USI) is the most effective and sustainable intervention strategy for prevention, control, and elimination of iodine deficiency [1-6]. Successful implementation of USI requires effective monitoring, which includes assessment of USI coverage and iodine nutrition status of vulnerable groups in the target population [1-4]. USI has proved to be remarkably effective in many countries, with documented evidence of sustained success of IDD control programs [1, 2, 4, 5]. However, there are indications that successful programs of USI do not necessarily cover the needs of lactating mothers and children younger than two years of age [2, 5-7]. Thus, infants may remain exposed to iodine deficiency, which can limit the production of thyroid hormones during the period of rapid growth and development [2, 5-8].