Control of iodine deficiency is a success story, although one still in progress – iodized salt now covers an estimated 70% of households. Without iodized salt, it can be calculated that some 2 billion people would show signs of iodine deficiency; whereas the actual number is around 700 million. But the 30% of households without iodized salt are likely to be more vulnerable and difficult to reach, living in remote areas, or with multiple salt sources. Elimination of iodine deficiency, with its risks to cognitive development and function, requires sustained efforts.
Predicted 2005 population (million) in developing countries with goitre if there were no
iodized salt, compared with current estimate (with 68% iodized salt coverage)
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