3. Micronutrient fortification (iron and salt iodization)

Providing iron and iodized salt is another top investment.

Women breastfeeding should discontinue breastfeeding for at least a week, and likely longer, following radioactive iodine treatment, as small amounts of radioactive iodine may be found in breast milk even several weeks after the radioactive iodine treatment.

To avoid iodine deficiency a common cause of mental retardation in children Myanmar had greatly increased iodized salt consumption to cover most households.

Radioiodine ablation has been used for over 50 years, and the only major reasons for not using it are pregnancy and breast feeding (breast tissue also picks up and concentrates iodine).

Also, there are some indications that patients suffering from related eye disease experience a worsening of this condition, and for this reason some patients elect to have a surgical solution.

For 286 million we could get iodized salt and fortified basic food items to 80 of those in the worst affected areas, with benefits estimated to be roughly nine times that sum.

Despite efforts by the three most affected Governments, backed by the United Nations, legislation on the universal iodization of salt has not yet been passed in any of the three countries.

As universal salt iodization is the most cost effective way to ensure adequate iodine intake, the three countries would be well served to pass relevant legislation as soon as possible.

These include Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorder through universalising Iodized Salt Control of Iron Deficiency through Flour Fortification with iron Vitamin A Fortification of edible oil ghee and Vitamin A Supplementation for children from 6 months to five years of age as a regular part of National Immunization Days (NIDS and Sub NIDS).