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PROBLEM
Emory student discovered 60% of Georgian newborns have significant hypothyroidism
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Micronutrient malnutrition is a severe problem in Georgia, as in many of the developing countries of the world. An initial study of thyroid stimulation hormone levels by an Emory medical student sponsored by Atlanta-Tbilisi in neonate cord blood was done in three areas of Georgia. The results indicated approximately 60% of Georgian newborns had iodine deficiency. The Ministry of Health was made aware of the nature and extent of the problem in Georgia. At the request of the Minister of Health, the Ministry was provided with a detailed briefing document containing information on the public health and economic burden of iodine deficiency as well as possible solutions for elimination vis-à-vis implementation of public health programs to encourage universal consumption of iodized salt. The Minister briefed the Cabinet on iodine deficiency in Georgia, which led to a Decree from the Head of State mandating the universal iodination of salt. A team of consultants from the Program Against Micronutrient Malnutrition of the Emory University School of Public Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was dispatched to Georgia to share international experience and work with officials from the Ministry of Health and Parliament in developing a detailed plan of action to eliminate iodine deficiency in Georgia, and the subsequent development of a national public health program for implementation. Such a program was established by the Georgian Parliament and Ministry of Health and was initially funded solely by Georgian Government. At the request of Parliament, additional assistance in funding and establishing partners to support the program was given -ultimately leading to the involvement of Kiwanis International and UNICEF and a $103,000 donation. The Atlanta-Tbilisi Partnership, including representatives from the US Centers for Disease Control and Emory University, organized and facilitated two breakout sessions during the 5th AIHA Partnership Conference and contributed to a Common Health Magazine article on iodine and iron deficiencies in order to build NIS wide awareness of the impact of micronutrient malnutrition and cooperation for elimination programs. The Georgian Ministry of Health brought to the attention of the CIS Council of Health Ministers the issue of micronutrient malnutrition, and the need for an intra-CIS agreement on the trade of iodized salt for the elimination of iodine deficiency. The Atlanta-Tbilisi Health Partnership helped to produce this document, which is expected to be signed at their next meeting. The Multi-Sectoral Management Course Workshop for Program Managers, Implementers, and Stakeholders for the Elimination of Iodine Deficiency was held and facilitated by the Georgian Ministry of Health and the Program Against Micronutrient Malnutrition at the Emory University School of Public Health in June 1998. This workshop trained officials from most NIS countries in the public health approach to eliminate and monitor iodine deficiency disorders.
MORE INFORMATIONGlen Maberly <maberly@sph.emory.edu>
LINK:
Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University: Programme Against Micronutrient Malnutrition [http://www.sph.emory.edu/PAMM/]
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