- This map depicts the current levels of iodized salt consumption globally after the last round of household surveys conducted in the last two years. Over 70 countries around the world conducted MICS or DHS surveys. This map excludes data from countries with data before 1996. - While China is the only country in the region where 90% of the population has access to iodized salt, there are other countries in the region such as Mongolia, Laos, Myanmar which have seen significant progress. Progress has been static in a few countries -- Philippines and Indonesia. Recent data show that iodized salt consumption has fallen in Vietnam. It is important that we understand the reason for this decline. - China is the success story in East Asia. The $27 million World Bank loan and the commitment of the Chinese Government to eliminate this problem led to a huge restructuring of the salt industry. There are still provinces with less than 80% coverage where attention is now focussed through funds provided through a Gates grant. - There are some data gaps in the region -- Koreas, eastern Pacific Islands & Malaysia

East Asia follows after South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa East Asia follows after South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. In East Asia, most unprotected new-born children are born in China, Indonesia, Cambodia, Philippines and Vietnam.

Countries with largest numbers of unprotected newborns (= 27m) (Countries with data) Turkey and Russia are not included here as their data was old. Turkey’s last survey was in 1995 and Russia’s data was 1993 therefore not included. These two countries would be included in this chart. (000s)

Challenges to sustained IDD elimination in the region Political commitment Salt industry commitment Consumer education Human resource development