Objective  To examine the situation of iodine deficiency disease (IDD) prevention and control in Harbin municipality of Heilongjiang province and to provide evidences for improving IDD prevention and control.

  Methods  Urine iodine was detected among 8 – 10 years old students (n = 2 413) and pregnant women (n = 1 200) in 12 counties or districts of Harbin municipality in 2017. Meanwhile, thyroid volume was determined among the 8 – 10 years old students (n = 1 413) in the 7 of 12 counties or districts. Iodine content was measured for 5 413 table salt samples collected from households in all counties or districts (n = 18) of the municipality. We also analyzed the data on IDD extracted from IDD Surveillance Information Management System.

  Results  The coverage rate of iodine salt was 98.95% (5 356/5 413) and the qualification rate of iodine table salt was 96.95% (5 248/5 413) in the regions surveyed. There was a statistically significant difference in iodine table salt level among various counties (districts) (χ² = 1 340.401, P < 0.05). The median urinary iodine (MUI) was 154.83 μg/L for all the students and there was a significant difference in the MUI among the students in different counties or districts (χ² = 217.389, P < 0.05). The detection rate of thyroid goiter was 1.9% (27/1 413) among the students, without significant difference in the rate among the students from different counties and districts (χ² = 9.213, P = 0.162). The MUI was 193.0 μg/L for all the pregnant women and there was a significant difference in MUI among the pregnant women from various counties and districts (χ² = 193.089, P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  Among the residents in Harbin municipality, the goal of elimination of IDD was achieved and maintained; the iodine nutrition was at an appropriate level among 8 – 10 years old children but a slight higher proportion of pregnant women with the iodine nutrition close to lower limit of appropriate level.