Diagnosing and treating anemia in rural Guatemala

Our last report (September 2016) provided an update (detailed information, photos, and figures) regarding the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in rural, remote regions of Guatemala (Phase I of this project). It was not surprising to learn that anemia rates were alarmingly high (3 villages with moderate anemia rates and 1 with anemia rates classified as severe; based on standards developed by the World Health Organization).  It was also interesting to note that anemia rates were highest among children and the elderly (both men and women).

We are currently preparing for Phase II of this project (March 2017), which will assess the efficacy of Lucky Iron Fish in treating iron deficiency anemia. Drs. Kathy Beerman and Ana Maria Rodriquez-Vivaldi (along with Hearts in Motion staff) will be returning to the communities visited in March 2016 (Phase I).  Those given a Lucky Iron Fish during Phase I of the project will have their hemoglobin and hematocrit values retested during Phase II (following one year of use).  

To continue our efforts to screen for iron deficiency anemia, we will also travel to 5 new villages this year (March 2017). Our goal is to distribute an additional 200 Lucky Iron Fish to those newly diagnosed with anemia. Twenty-five undergraduate students from Washington State University have been selected to accompany us on the trip. These hard working, dedicated students make this project possible by donating their time throughout the 10-day medical mission as well as paying their own travel expenses.

We are working to make the Lucky Iron Fish Project a long-term, sustainable program in Guatemala.  All donations made to GlobalGiving in support of this project are used to purchase blood-testing supplies/instruments and Lucky Iron Fish. We greatly appreciate those that have contributed to this project. Our efforts are voluntary, and donations are NOT used to pay personal expenses. Rather, all donations are used to provide a long-term solution to a serious (but treatable) health problem – iron deficiency anemia. Our goal, to make the Guatemalan Lucky Iron Fish project sustainable, would not be possible without your generosity and support. In addition to medical supplies, we also bring donated toys and clothing to give to children. We want to thank students from Palouse Prairie Charter School (Moscow, Idaho) and Parkside Elementary School (Olympia, Washington) for their hard work collecting toys and shoes. These gifts bring tremendous joy to the lives of many children.

One of our greatest joys is to share photos of children and families with you and others that support our mission (see below).

With appreciation,

Kathy and Ana Maria