Lucky Iron Fish
Iron fish fighting anaemia in rural Cambodia
By Alannah Walsh
Summary
Nearly two billion people suffer from anaemia as a result of iron deficiency, making it one of the world’s largest nutritional challenges. Most of those affected are women of childbearing age and young children.
Iron is a micronutrient that is essential for cognitive and physical development, especially in children under the age of five. Children whose diets lack iron commonly suffer from low energy levels, dizziness and lethargy.
40% of maternal deaths have been attributed to iron deficiency, directly and indirectly. Women suffering from anaemia during pregnancy are at increased risk of haemorrhaging during childbirth and are also at greater risk of infection.
While iron deficiency is a serious problem on a global scale, it can be easily treated by taking iron supplements, usually pills or powders, every day. However, these supplements are expensive, hindering access to effective anaemia treatment for millions of people.
Lucky Iron Fish was born out of a doctoral research project addressing high anaemia levels in Cambodia. Dr Christopher Charles moved there in 2008 to study a cluster of rural villages whose populations were severely iron deficient.
Finding rates close to 90% of women and children suffering from anaemia, many of this rural population were lacking the energy to work, learn, and play. Dr Christopher and his team were determined to find an affordable, accessible and sustainable source of iron for the villagers.
Upon initial research, cooking in cast iron pots seemed to be a viable solution. However, Cambodian people favour cooking in aluminium pots as they are both cheaper and lighter to carry. After some experimentation, iron blocks to add to cooking vessels were prototyped. In the early stages these took the form of rectangular blocks, then discs, and later even flowers.
Following repeated practical trials among villagers – uptake levels remained low. Upon further research into Cambodian culture, traditions, and heritage, the fish shape was formed. In Cambodia, fish is eaten every day and in almost every meal. The Mekong River sustains the diets and livelihoods of millions of Cambodians. Importantly, the fish is also a symbol of good luck for all in Cambodia. This small fish-shaped block of iron, now widely used globally, was to be placed in cooking pots and would leech iron to fortify the meal. A simple solution to a widespread problem.
Understanding the socio-cultural context was key to developing a successful solution. The Lucky Iron Fish (now Lucky Iron Life) found a solution through taking a holistic approach. Understanding the interplay of nutrition, anthropology, public health and medicine – all within the Cambodian context.
Early clinical trials carried out by Dr Christopher and his team revealed greater than 80% compliance rates, an increase in iron status, and a decrease in iron deficiency anaemia throughout the Cambodian villages.
Lucky Iron Fish has since grown and scaled its operations to over 88 countries, positively impacting the lives of over 285,000 people and building over 50 community partnerships with other grassroots organisations.
At the core of this company’s values is a commitment to improve the health of communities all over the world, stretching from one remote corner of the earth to another. A key element to their success seems to lie in the ethos of their business model. As a certified B Corporation, Lucky Iron Fish’s holistic approach is conscious of their impact upon both people and planet.
Working to develop long term relationships with community organisations means that they can provide ongoing or intermittent support and donations when needed. A portion of every sale made goes directly towards the improvement of access to nutrition. Over 65,000 units have been donated to people living in marginalised communities to date. Lucky Iron Life continues to grow, decreasing global iron deficiency anaemia rates globally, one iron fish at a time!