UNICEF, the Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan and the Kazakh Academy of Nutrition have announced Kazakhstan will provide the resource laboratory for 15 countries in the region in order to reinforce monitoring of IDD and its elimination through universal salt iodization, according to a UNICEF announcement.

"Kazakhstan has a moderate iodine deficiency endemia. However, even a slight iodine deficiency disorders inflicts damage to intellectual and physical state of population. Special reports say the intelligence quotient of each child living in such areas is abated by 10–15 points. Iodine is essential for fetal development and children born to mothers with iodine deficiency might suffer irreversible changes. Pregnant women living in iodine-deficiency areas are at higher risk of lost pregnancy, mortinatality or premature birth. Children can have all or some indicators of USI including growth and development disorders, retardation or cretinism.

"The 2007 researches proved that 92 percent of Kazakhstani households consume high quality iodized salt, and Kazakhstan attained Universal Salt Iodization status. It is considered that the iodine deficiency can be eliminated only under universal salt iodization.

"The aforesaid denotes significant progress of Kazakhstan in solving such pressing issues as elimination of hidden hunger and promotion of health. Implementation of the programmes in cooperation among the Government, salt producers, NGOs and international organizations as well as execution of the adopted legal acts are set to improve the health of population, reduce child and infant morbidity and mortality as well as mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases."