Iron-deficiency anemia is often remedied with drugstore iron pills. But if that doesn't work, doctors sometimes prescribe iron infusions — and the bill for that can vary by thousands of dollars.

Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia during pregnancy. Traditionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended daily oral iron supplements to combat this deficiency.

Over 1 billion people globally are affected by iron-deficiency anemia. In sub-Saharan Africa, anemia is a major public health concern with roughly 60% of the population suffering from anemia.

Iron infusions help reduce iron-deficiency anaemia in low-income settings. Credit: Danielle Powell, Swiss TPH Over 1 billion people globally are affected by iron-deficiency anemia.

I couldn’t tolerate oral iron because of constipation and hemorrhoids, so my doctor prescribed iron infusions. But I had an allergic reaction, and I continue to have sore places all over my body.

Iron-deficiency anaemia is a major concern in low-income settings, especially for women. In a new study by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) and partners published ...