About 133 million infants in China were protected against iodine-deficiency-caused brain damage, thanks to the country's efforts to reach 90 percent of the population with iodized salt. 
 
One hundred and thirty-three million infants in China have been protected against iodine-deficiency-caused brain damage over the past decade, thanks to the country's efforts to reach ninety percent of the population with iodized salt.

A joint statement issued by the United Nations Children's Fund and China's Ministry of Health says the achievement is paying rich dividends for the Chinese economy.

According to the newly launched report assessing China's vitamin and mineral deficiency situation, in 2002 alone, 14 million newborns benefited from the extra iodine in their mother's diets, safeguarding them from brain damage and raising their IQ by 10 to 15 points.

If these achievements on iodine are sustained, the report says China's economy will swell by US$25 billion over the next ten years thanks to a more productive workforce.

UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy says this is just one example of the substantial return countries can expect for what amounts to a tiny per capita investment in children's physical and intellectual well being.

China's Vice Minister of Health Wang Longde says 19 million babies are born in China every year. If their development suffers, a vicious cycle of poor health and poverty will hamper China's overall development.

UNICEF and China stress that more needs to be done to help the 250 million people still suffering the devastating effects of iron deficiency anaemia, vitamin A deficiency and other forms of hidden hunger.
 
(CRI September 3, 2004)