As a result of the Round Table "Challenges Strategies and solutions to achieve sustained elimination of iodine deficiency disorder in Egypt” organized by ICCIDD and UNICEF in March 2009, to establish the national IDD secretariat, the Government announced the reaction of a Secretariat housed in the National Nutrition Institute to coordinate all activities relating to achievement of USI and to achieve sustained Elimination of IDD. UNICEF has agreed to finance the costs for its first year.

The National committee which the Secretariat will oversee includes the full range of inputs to the national endeavor to achieve USI and sustainable IDD Elimination from organizations and aid agencies involved: The Government of Egypt, Salt Alliance Group, ICCIDD, High Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, National Nutrition Institute and aid agencies, WHO, WFP, UNICEF.

The small staff will be led by Dr. Gulsen Saleh, who is also the Focal Point for ICCIDD in the country.