Past Sponsored Research Projects

Iodine Deficiency Disorders: Communications Focal Point

Dates: 1994 - 1997
Funding Source: International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD)
Tulane's Role: Primary contractor through International Communication Enhancement Center (ICEC)
Countries: Global; special assistance to China, Pakistan, Philippines, and Vietnam
Principal Investigator: Jack Ling, MA
Website:  www.sph.tulane.edu/IHD/research-centers/ICCIDD.htm

Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) is the world's most common cause of preventable mental retardation and brain damage, affecting some 50 million children in almost all developing countries. In support of virtually eliminating IDD by the year 2000 (an adopted goal of world leaders at the 1990 UN Summit for Children), the IEC created the Communication Focal Point. The Focal Point has maintained a database on communication and information material and has distributed this diskette to 1000 recipients. Focal Point developed a computer-based Progress Information Presentation Service (PIPS), which is available to national program managers to sustain advocacy and to facilitate monitoring of progress. Consulting and communication support services are available on request. The Focal Point initiated an annual IDD Day in 1995 and a children's IDD art contest in 1996. Currently, a limited number of promotional materials are available; a handbook on Social Mobilization for IDD Elimination, including school health material, will be published in 1997.