Conclusions and Recommendations

Abstract

About 190 Heads of State have now signed the Declaration of THE WORLD SUMMIT FOR CHILDREN held in September 1990. This included the goal of virtually eliminating iodine deficiency by the end of the decade, and the pledge to prepare national programs of action to implement the Summit’s decisions. Iodine deficiency is universally regarded as a major cause of preventable mental retardation throughout the world. It is also the main cause of endemic goiter and related thyroid diseases, and results in other serious conditions including stillbirth, infant mortality, and reduced physical and mental performance. It adversely affects agricultural productivity as well. Ample experience documents that the benefits of iodine supplementation by far outweigh its costs.