A Programme Monitoring Committee consisting of representatives of Government of India and Government of Nepal met on July 15, 2007 in Kathmandu to review the impact of the programme for control of goitre and other iodine deficiencies in Nepal, being implemented with the Indian assistance under the India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Programme. The committee comprised members from the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Embassy of India from the Indian side and representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Supply, Ministry of Health & Population, and Salt Trading Corporation from the Nepalese side.
As an important grassroots project of India-Nepal economic cooperation, this programme has its footprints in all the 75 districts of Nepal. Under the programme, Government of India provides grant assistance to Salt Trading Corporation (STC) of Nepal based on a tripartite agreement between GOI, GON and STC. The assistance covers re-iodization of salt, its packing and transportation to remote areas of Nepal and creation of awareness among the people about the need to consume iodised salt. Earlier, from 1973-1998, Government of India provided assistance to STC totalling NRs. 436.9 millions for the programme, during which prevalence of goitre in Nepal reduced from 55% to 39%. The programme was revived in 2005-06 with the Indian assistance of NRs. 80 millions to STC. The volume of assistance was further raised to NRs. 116 millions in 2006-07.
During the meeting, the Programme Monitoring Committee considered the report of the “National Survey and Impact Study on Situation of Goitre and Iodine Deficiency Disorders and Availability of Iodized Salt in Nepal” carried out by a neutral agency - M/s Alliance Nepal - to assess the programme’s impact. Expressing satisfaction over the findings of the study, the Committee noted that the availability of iodised salt at household level in Nepal had increased to 99.8%, compared to 83% one year ago. It was also observed that visible goitre had almost been eradicated in Nepal, while palpable goitre was considerably reduced. Noting that Nepal remained at high risk for iodine deficiency due to its ecological and biophysical conditions, the Committee decided to recommend to the Government of India for assistance of NRs.141.7 million to STC for the continuation of the programme during the fiscal year 2007-08.
The programme is part of more than 220 large and small projects currently being realized with the Indian assistance in the sectors of education, health, community development and infrastructure covering all the districts of Nepal with an outlay of over NRs. 20 billion.
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