Coverage of iodized salt

Calculation

Calculated as the percent of surveyed households that have salt they used for cooking that tested positive (>0 ppm) for the presence of iodine. Surveys include DHS, MICS, and other nationally-representative health surveys.

Definition

Proportion of households consuming iodized salt.

Relevance

Iodized salt consumption is a cost-effective intervention for the prevention of iodine deficiency disorders. While most countries have salt fortification legislation, access to iodized salt may vary depending on regulation of fortification laws and surveillance efforts, fragmentation in the salt industry (with small-scale producers closer to the point of production less likely to fortify), and salt importation. Iodized salt access may also be lower among vulnerable subgroups, including poor households and rural households, who may also lack awareness of the health benefits.