The Little Iron Fish that made it big

They say the best ideas are the simplest and this little iron fish fits that category. A small lump of iron, it has just won the Grand Prix in the Product Design Lions at Cannes. While it’s small, it’s powerful, this fish has improved the health of thousands of Cambodians.

In Cambodia, half of the population is very anaemic. This iron deficiency is down to diet and it affects widespread health, like pregnancy and can cause death. Iron pills are available but they are very expensive.

It was discovered that cooking with a piece of iron for ten minutes could provide a family with 75% of their daily iron intake.

The challenge, Geometry Global in Dubai discovered, was getting people to use it.

They began researching design ideas and came up with a symbol of luck, the little fish. People began to use it. The team backed that up by approaching communities, telling them about the health benefits and how to cook with the iron.

After 9 months of regular medical trials there was a 50% drop in iron deficiency. It’s a sustainable solution to a problem, using recycled material that is tested to make sure it’s safe. Jobs have been created and the idea is being spread across the world.

Not bad for a little fish!

Watch the video here

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