What’s the itchiest you have ever been in your life? Multiply that by at least 100 and imagine how sore and uncomfortable you would feel.
Tunga Penetrans, or jigger, is a flea that burrows into the skin, mostly around the toenails and fingernails and feeds on its host. They are extremely itchy and painful if not treated.
Jiggers are a result of poor hygiene and can be prevented with very simple treatments. Children are especially vulnerable. Once the female flea is settled under the skin she starts to grow. And grow. If not treated and removed, she will then POP. All her eggs are then spread under the skin and the whole process will start all over again, but multiplied by many times. Heavy infestations can lead to severe swelling, ulceration, toenail loss and in extreme cases gangrene and digit loss.
Kids with severe infestations are stigmatized. Peter and I noticed at a couple of schools we visited little groups of kids, far away from the main hub of happiness, sat out in the hot sun. When we asked the headteachers why they were sat out there we were told they were dirty kids because they had jiggers. This is when we decided that we would have to do a jigger eradication program.
We started the jigger eradication program last week and to date (5 days) we have treated over 400 children. We have asked all the treated kids to bring their siblings to school this Monday so they too can be treated.
Kids with severe infestations cannot walk to school because of the irritation and suppuration of the sores. Flies thrive on these sores and make infections worse. School performance drops.
Of course, education is very crucial in the eradication of jiggers and we need to raise funds to implement a solution for people infected with jiggers and worms.
We need to:
- Fumigate playgrounds
- Cement classroom floors
- Supply disinfectants and anti-biotic creams to all schools for continuous treatment
- Employ a community worker to keep the programme going
- Educate the communities on the basics of good hygiene practice.
About Kenya Kesho
Kenya Kesho is an independent charity that receives no Government funding. All donations are thankfully received. Registered UK Charity no 1127182.
Kenya Kesho is recognized by the Kenya Government as a legally registered charity.
