Idd 02/02

■ WORTH THE SALT: FIGHTING IODINE DEFICIENCY IN AZERBAIJAN ■ ABSTRACTS This event took place on October 27, 2001 in Mombasa, sponsored by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Kenya Salt Manufacturers Association (KESAMA), UNICEF, and members of the community. Mombasa is a major salt producing area for Kenya and East Africa, and the producers combined efforts to support IDD Day. The activities included a parade, skits, and informational talks. Testing for iodine content of salt with kits was demonstrated and taught by students and nurses from the local hospital. The provincial health chief and colleagues provided information. A parade with floats from the different manufacturers and other groups passed through the city’s streets, tossing free packages of iodized salt to onlookers. T-shirts and caps were distributed. A well-known local band wrote and performed a song in Swahili that emphasized the benefits of iodized salt. The day was preceded by publicity in the media and news captions, and was covered by national television. It spurred an increase in activities by industry, especially in advocacy. Similar events are planned for the future. ■ IDD Day in Kenya IDD INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR CONTROL OF IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS