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Strategy of goitre and cretinism control in Central Africa

par Thilly, Claude Hector ;Delange, François ;Ramioul, Liliane ;Lagasse, Raphaël ;Luvivila, K;Ermans, André Marie
Référence International journal of epidemiology, 6, 1, page (43-54)
Publication Publié, 1977

Article révisé par les pairs

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Résumé :

Goitre prevalence in Ubangi Mongala (north-western Zaire) ranges from 27 to 60% in the male population and from 48 to 78% in the female population; the prevalence of cretinism ranges between 0.7 and 7.6%. This severe endemia affects 1.5 million inhabitants and constitutes a major public health problem. If administered to an entire population, single injections of slowly resorbable iodized oil can reduce goitre prevalence substantially, correct the iodine deficiency and restore normal thyroid function for a period of 3 to 7 yr, depending on the parameter considered. The cost of a programme of endemic goitre prevention based on this method can be estimated at 0.07 US dollars per person and per year of protection. A strategy of goitre and cretinism control in Central Africa, using iodized oil in an attack phase and iodized salt in a follow up phase, is proposed. The organization of this programme will be dovetailed into other public health activities and will strengthen the basic service framework.