The Proportion of Households with Adequately Iodized Salt in Ethiopia
Dilnesaw Zerfu *
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Abinet Tekle
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Tibebu Moges
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Adamu Belay
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Andinet Abera
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Girmay Ayana
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Masresha Tessema
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Desalegn Kuche
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Meseret W/Yohannes
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Amha Kebede
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Aregash Samuel
Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute (EHNRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objectives: According to the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey 2011, the proportion of households using iodized salt (>15 parts per million [PPM]) was 15.4%. The 2014 Ethiopia National Micronutrient Survey (ENMS) will estimate the national and regional proportions of households using adequately iodized (>15 ppm) salt in Ethiopia.
Methods: The ENMS is a cross-sectional household survey designed to produce national and regionally representative estimates. Samples of salt (20 gram) usually consumed will be collected from approximately 4,000households for qualitative testing using the rapid test kit. Salt samples will be sent to the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Institute Laboratory where iodometric titration will be conducted.
Results: The national and regional proportions of households with adequately iodized (>15 ppm) salt will be presented.
Conclusions: This survey will provide national and regional data for monitoring and evaluating the progress of the Universal Salt Iodization (USI) program in Ethiopia.