The programme, endorsed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), was launched in 1993 to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders in the country.

According to the ministry, the number of households consuming adequately iodised salt increased from 25 percent in 1993 to 93.2 percent last year. As a result, Vietnam was the second country in East Asia and the Pacific Region to reach the international goal which was set at more than 90 percent.

“Reaching the goal on elimination of iodine deficiency was a great success,” said UNICEF Representative in Vietnam Jesper Morch.

He attributed the success to the Vietnamese Government’s commitment and the dedication of the staff at national and provincial levels.

“Beginning today, the challenge is to sustain the achievements of the programme and ensure that future generations are protected from the damaging effects of iodine deficiency. We need continued government commitment and stronger partnership,” said Mr Morch.

While the worst cases of iodine deficiency can severely delay mental development and result in cretinism, even mild iodine deficiency can result in a significant loss in learning ability. Other effects include increased risks of stillbirths, miscarriages, and goitre among women. Children are often inflicted with learning disabilities.

UNICEF officials recommended salt iodination as the most logical and effective solution because salt was consumed by everyone, and iodised salt was sage, sustainable and inexpensive.

Mr Morch said that UNICEF will continue to support Vietnam in sustaining its achievements in the coming years.

Dr Ta Van Binh, Director of the Central Endocrinology Hospital and deputy head of the steering board for prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders, said to sustain the results, Vietnam will eradicate iodine deficiency disorders in the Mekong Delta and northeastern regions and diversify products using iodised salt. The country will also increase dissemination of information about the usefulness of iodised salt among its people, he said.

An action plan for the 2006-2010 period was announced at the symposium to prevent a recurrence of the problem.