Since the audience at the workshop was limited and these were vital topics in the region, which need to reach all the congress participants, the workshop topics were repeated as panels and the recommendations were presented and discussed during the congress as well. Free papers and posters were also presented by pediatricians.
Iodine deficiency is a common problem in the region.
Continue goiter and IDD prevalence studies in school children by appropriate standardized methods to determine and monitor the prevalence of endemic goiter in countries of the region and to ensure that the results are disseminated to policy makers and health professionals. Determine food habits in relation to salt intake and cooking practices in order to estimate average salt intake per capita as a guide to the appropriate level of fortification. Ensure the enactment and endorsement of legislation for the universal iodization of all salt for human consumption using potassium iodate rather than potassium iodide, because it is stable regardless of moisture or packaging. Maintain a strong monitoring system with adequate laboratory support to assure compliance with salt iodization directives. Implement a public information program that will increase public awareness of IDD and its consequences, create public demand for iodized salt, put pressure on politicians to allocate necessary funds and resources to eliminate IDD, and motivate salt producers to comply with salt iodization legislation.