Enhancing Salt Iodization Programs in Africa through the Establishment of Financially Viable Potassium Iodate (KIO3) Supply Systems.
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2015
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Objectives: Donated or subsidized KIO3 for Universal Salt Iodization (USI) programs supports iodization in resource-constrained contexts. However, sustainable and reliable supply systems are required. To address this, GAIN supported the establishment of financially viable supply systems with KIO3 cost recovery to ensure a stable and quality supply in Ghana and Ethiopia where donated KIO3 has previously been supplied.
Methods: National assessments of KIO3 supply reviewed annual demand, iodization capacity, current donations and subsidies, and existing procurement and distribution arrangements. GAIN then tailored revolving fund systems with mechanisms to: accurately forecast demand; recover costs to replenish stocks from approved suppliers; and effectively distribute stock. Two hosting institutions were recommended: Environmental Processing & Associates Ltd (EPA) in Ghana and the Pharmaceutical Fund and Supply Agency (PFSA) in Ethiopia.
Results: Since establishment in 2011, using initial GAIN-supplied seed stock, the EPA system has functioned as an independent business, purchasing and effectively distributing 6.5 MT of KIO3. This helped produce 1,750 MT of iodized salt monthly, sufficient to cover 5.8 million Ghanaians with iodized salt. The PFSA supply system, using seed stock from GAIN, UNICEF and the Micronutrient Initiative, became operational in January 2013. In August 2013 the PFSA, using recovered costs from sales, launched a tender for 14 MT of KIO3, enough to cover 55 million Ethiopians with iodized salt.
Conclusions: A well-designed KIO3 supply system which includes mechanisms for appropriate cost recovery, forecasted demand, and distribution can transform a donation-based scheme into a financially viable system with distribution in support of national USI programs in Africa.
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Garrett Greg S, Prczewlofsky Roman. Enhancing Salt Iodization Programs in Africa through the Establishment of Financially Viable Potassium Iodate (KIO3) Supply Systems. European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety. 2015 Special issue; 5(5): 471-472.