Universal Salt Iodization (USI) - FTP Directory Listing

28FEATURESwww.unsystem.org/scnAchieving and Sustaining USI: Successful Voluntary Action to Catalyzea Global Health Public Endeavour. The Kiwanis International ExperienceRobert Parker (Kiwanis International)Abstract: In 1994, Kiwanis International set a goal to raise US$75 million to virtually eliminate the world’s most prevalent,preventable cause of mental retardation:, iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). As of 2007, Kiwanis has raised and leveragedcontributions of nearly $100 million. The selection of a cause that fit the organization’s purpose and resources wasimportant to the ultimate success of Kiwanis International’s first Worldwide Service Program. Kiwanis chose the eliminationof IDD because the science was known, the solution was extremely cost-effective, the amount of money neededwas within the membership’s capability to raise funds, and the solution would permanently improve the futures of millionsof children. A global fundraising campaign was a new experience for the traditionally locally-focused Kiwanis clubsand their members; so, the Kiwanis International Foundation honored IDD contributors through existing donorrecognitionprogrammes, to which the members already were accustomed. Kiwanis’s partnerships, such as thoseformed with UNICEF and salt producers, established Kiwanis as a major participant in global efforts to help children.Key words: Fund, IDD, iodine, iodization, Kiwani, raising, salt, service project, USI, voluntaryIntroduction: first worldwide service projectFounded in 1915, Kiwanis International develops and inspires everyday leaders to ensure a legacy ofimpactive service. It is joined in this mission by the rest of the Kiwanis organization:▪ Kiwanis Kids, elementary school students of ages 6-10▪ Builders Club, middle school students of ages 10 to 14▪ Key Club, high school students of ages 14 to 18▪ Circle K, college and university students▪ Kiwanis Junior, young adults in Europe▪ Aktion Club, an organization of adults who have disabilities▪ Kiwanis International Foundation▪ Key Leader, a life-changing experience designed to promote personal growth and community-building to abroad spectrum of students, not just academic achievers.Today, the Kiwanis organization includes nearly 600,000 leaders in more than 70 nations (Kiwanis 2007).Kiwanis International is governed by a Board of Trustees, the members of which are elected by clubdelegates attending the organization’s annual convention. The clubs, however, are virtually autonomous andchiefly governed by their own boards. Hence, Kiwanis clubs traditionally serve the needs of their owncommunities. Prior to 1990, however, Kiwanis clubs had never joined together to address a specific globalservice need (Hapgood 1989).Expanding Kiwanis’ field of serviceOn October 1, 1990, then-Kiwanis International President Wil Blechman, MD, led the development of a threeyearinitiative titled, “Young Children: Priority One,” to promote programmes supporting health and educationamong children: prenatal to five years old. The new project led to contacts with like-minded organizationsincluding the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. During a visit to the Carter Center, Dr. Blechman met Dr.William Foege, the Executive Director of the Task Force for Child Survival and Development and former chiefof the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who urged Kiwanis to help the children of the world. Hesuggested that a Kiwanis representative attend two UNICEF meetings in Montréal, Québec: “Protecting theWorld’s Children: Keeping the Promise” and “Ending Hidden Hunger.”Blechman was appointed as Kiwanis’ representative to both meetings and returned to communicateUNICEF’s request that Kiwanis International take up a global cause on behalf of the world’s children. Amongthe potential causes were clean water, medication and micronutrient deficiencies. With the KiwanisInternational Board’s support, a resolution to develop a worldwide service project was approved by the Houseof Delegates at the 1993 Kiwanis International Convention in Nice, France.SCN NEWS # 35 back to contents