UNICEF announced March 2 a new regional study in Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States showing that 18 of 20 countries studied have reaped significant benefits by requiring universal salt iodization. Russia and Ukraine have not adopted mandatory USI. Since they are the two largest countries, USI currently benefits 51% of the region's population; that would increase to 98% if Russia and Ukraine adopt USI, the report concludes.