By Joel Spicer

The Ministry of Trade in Senegal and MI recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the aim of providing more people in West Africa access to adequately iodized salt. It may seem odd – a formal agreement between a trade ministry and a global nutrition organization, but there is an important connection: MI works not only with the Ministry of Health, but also closely with the Ministry of Trade because the success of salt iodization efforts in the region depends on it. We support the Senegalese efforts to expand the regional market for salt in a way that will help combat iodine deficiency, increase access to adequately iodized salt for the most vulnerable, create jobs, and maximize economic development. This is a win-win approach where development and trade objectives come together. ...