Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 73
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 74
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Warning (512): Unable to emit headers. Headers sent in file=/home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php line=853 [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 48]
Warning (2): Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php:853) [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 148]
Warning (2): Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php:853) [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 181]
Notice (8): Undefined variable: urlPrefix [APP/Template/Layout/printlayout.ctp, line 8]interviews/melanie-galvin-regional-director-asia-micronutrient-india-interviewed-by-meenakshi-kumar-8558.html"/> Interviews | Melanie Galvin, regional director, Asia, Micronutrient India, interviewed by Meenakshi Kumar | Im4change.org
Resource centre on India's rural distress
 
 

Melanie Galvin, regional director, Asia, Micronutrient India, interviewed by Meenakshi Kumar

Iodine deficiency disorders have long been a major health problem in the developing world. India has accepted iodine deficiency as a national public health problem. Micronutrient India (MI), a not-for-profit organization, is working with the government to ensure India achieves 100% Universal Salt Iodisation by 2012. Melanie Galvin , regional director, Asia, MI, spoke to Meenakshi Kumar :

What does Micronutrient India do?

Micronutrient India works in the production area of iodised salt. It works with salt producers all over India, who contribute about 40% of salt produced in the country. There are so many small and medium salt producers that it becomes difficult to monitor all of them. It's not possible for the Salt Commission of India to monitor all these producers. That's where we step in and help small producers to upgrade their skills.

The Iodised Salt Coverage Study 2010 conducted in eight states shows that iodised salt consumption has risen by 20% in some states. What are the challenges to achieving 100% consumption of iodised salt in India?

It is difficult to compare India's performance in Universal Salt Iodisation as situations are unique. India is the third largest raw salt-producing country but production is not well distributed geographically. The base is wide - more than 900 small-level salt processors spread over a 3,500 km stretch across India's coast. Small-level salt processors use primitive technology. Hence, they are unable to check the level of salt iodisation. Another problem is the consumption of Poda salt among the poor. Poda salt cannot be iodised consistently and adequately because of the crystal's size. The government is still to ban this variety. Also, salt is not available through the PDS system except in few states.

The salt department is entrusted with monitoring the quality and quantity of salt during production. However, its role is limited to collecting and testing salt samples from the railhead at the time of transportation. With inadequate staff, large quantities of salt at the railhead and short time duration for loading, salt testing has not been adequate. Also, the present monitoring system is manual. This results in supply of non-iodised/partially iodised salt to vulnerable sections of the population. These are few of the challenges.

How does India compare with its other South Asian neighbours?

India accepted iodine deficiency as a national health problem and resolved to ensure the provision of iodised salt to its population in 1984. Although progress in production of iodised salt has been impressive, consumption of iodised salt is much higher in urban areas (72%) as compared to rural areas (41%). In comparison to other countries in South Asia, India is better off in household coverage (51%) as compared to Afghanistan (28%) and Pakistan (17%), but other countries such as Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and China are much higher (62%, 63%, 84%, 94% and 95% respectively). The countries that have performed well are mainly backed by government commitment, stringent law enforcement and existence of few large producers of salt.

Which are the other micronutrients that India needs to take seriously?

Zinc, vitamin A, iron. A lot of work is already being done to make people aware of them. Particularly with iron supplementation. But a lot still needs to be done. The fact is that in India policies are in place but implementation varies from state to state. There is a beautiful system in place but it requires concerted efforts to reach out to people and be successful.