Iodine Global Network

What is the Iodine Global Network's mission?

IGN's mission is to "be the authoritative voice for iodine nutrition." Their mission states:

"We support and catalyze global and national iodine programs, working with key public, private, scientific and civic stakeholders. We focus on universal salt iodization as the most cost-effective and sustainable solution for prevention of iodine deficiency disorders."

What does the Iodine Global Network do?

• IGN advocates for national and international iodine programs (particularly salt iodisation programs).
• They provide programmatic guidance for global and national programs and strengthen coalitions by facilitating communication among programs.
• They promote scientific research to increase the effectiveness of iodine programs.

Why do we recommend the Iodine Global Network?

• According to GiveWell's research, there is strong evidence that salt iodisation improves cognitive development in children with mild to moderate iodine deficiency.
• While the cost effectiveness of salt iodisation is uncertain, it seems to be comparable in cost effectiveness to GiveWell's other high-priority programs.
• IGN is a GiveWell standout charity.
• IGN received a $100,000 grant from Open Philanthropy in 2019. IGN told GiveWell in 2015 that its ideal annual budget is $829,000 per year.

To learn more about the Iodine Global Network, we recommend reading GiveWell's detailed 2014 review and 2015 update.