iodine concentration. They are useful in the field for assessing whether salt is iodized, for example during household surveys. They can also be used by salt producers who do not have access to titration, as is the case for most small producers, provided that results are always backed up by titration. Recognizing the importance of preventing IDD, World Health Assembly adopted in 1991 the goal of eliminating iodine deficiency as a public health problem by the year 2000. In 1993, wHo and UNICEF recommended universal salt iodization as the main strategy to achieve elimination of IDD. Almost the whole population consumes powdered salt but the storage and cooking practices diminish the iodine content of salt and results in decreased intake. Because of the importance of iodine deficiency in the reproductive age group females and its resultant effect on the outcome of pregnancy and on the health status of children born to iodine deficient mothers, we undertook this study with the aim of assessing the magnitude of the problem so interventions aimed at this age group could be undertaken to improve the outcome of pregnancy and reduce the prevalence of IDD.