Iodine Global Network

The Iodine Global Network (IGN) is the leading global organization supporting the elimination of iodine deficiency, the most common cause of brain damage in newborns. IGN supports healthy iodine nutrition through a safe, effective, and affordable solution: iodized salt.

Their annual demonstrated impact includes:

Advocating with the government to widen salt iodization in Sri Lanka, protecting Sri Lanka’s population from iodine deficiency.
Conducting a review of efforts to support small-scale producers in iodizing salt. In countries such as Senegal, Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique and Cambodia, these producers supply salt to households in poor or remote areas who are not protected from iodine deficiency.

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Key Strengths: Scale

Multidimensional Poverty Index Indicators: Nutrition

Other Key Outcomes: Child development, Learning outcomes

Recent Expense Budget: US$1,600,000

Year Founded: 1986

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The problem: iodine deficiency

Iodine is a crucial nutrient for healthy brain development. When populations are deficient, pregnant women and newborns are disproportionately affected — iodine deficiencies can lead to cognitive and developmental impairment, as well as miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant mortality. Even mild deficiency can affect children’s ability to learn and achieve their full potential.

A great deal of progress has been made to address iodine deficiency. Today, it is estimated that 89% of the global population has access to iodized salt, with 21 countries not meeting population iodine nutrition needs. [1] [2] However, iodine deficiency is still the leading cause of preventable mental impairment in the world. [3] [4]

Iodine deficiency is the leading cause of preventable mental impairment in the world.

The solution: salt iodization

Fortunately, iodine deficiency can be prevented easily and affordably by adding a small amount of iodine to the salt we consume. The Copenhagen Consensus considers it one of the best investment strategies in international development. [5]

How the Iodine Global Network works

IGN monitors, supports, and catalyzes collective action on iodine nutrition programs worldwide. The overarching goal is to ensure that all populations have adequate iodine status, and that salt is iodized forever to achieve this. IGN works to harmonize action among diverse stakeholders:

the salt industry to source, process, and iodize raw salt
governments to mandate and monitor programs
civil society to understand the issue of iodine deficiency and create demand for iodized salt
development partners to support programs on the ground

IGN facilitates collaboration between these partners to deliver iodine nutrition at the national level in countries around the world, advocating for political will and national awareness, providing technical assistance, and aligning iodine elimination with the broader nutrition agenda. In addition, IGN investigates scientific issues to help the communities most vulnerable to iodine nutrition, particularly mothers and newborn infants.

Woman in green dress hugging little girl in red dress

Salt iodization programs have already helped to achieve healthy iodine nutrition in all but 21 countries of the world. IGN sustains and facilitates progress, and tracks it through a Global Iodine Scorecard. They track and catalyze global food fortification efforts in partnership with the Food Fortification Initiative, GAIN, and Micronutrient Forum, through the Global Fortification Data Exchange. [6]

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What makes Iodine Global Network so effective

Cost-effectiveness

Salt iodization is extremely inexpensive – an estimated US$0.02–$0.05 per person per year. And IGN’s work costs only US$0.01-$0.10 per person to support iodization programs worldwide. Every $100 invested in IGN impacts an estimated 10,000 individuals per year.

Established leadership

IGN draws on nearly 30 years of expertise from governments, researchers, salt industry representatives, and partner organizations.

Compounding impact

Improving nutrition has a ripple effect on education, poverty, and equality. Iodizing salt yields an estimated $30 in economic productivity per dollar spent. [7]

A truly global network

IGN works in virtually every country in the world through a network of regional and national coordinators who work in the field, as well as national governments to catalyze salt iodization initiatives.

Iodine Global Network’s accountability and sustainability

IGN openly shares detailed information about its programs and posts all of its financial reports and documents for public viewing on its website. [8]

IGN facilitates partnerships and communication between businesses, nonprofits, national governments, and local communities. They work to share expertise and secure long-term iodine supplies to ensure that programs continue long after they have left.