Mount Kenya University & Partners for Care ongoing Anti-jigger Campaign
Mount Kenya University and Partners for Care, a local NGO based in Kenya, in implementation of the Talloires Network Award, received in 2020 in support of their continued civic engagement, embarked on an anti-jigger campaign in Kilifi County targeting 3,500 people in a bid to eradicate jigger infestation in the area.
The partners conducted a baseline study and collaborated in jigger training and treatment activities. The aim being to educate the community on jigger prevention and control techniques and stamp out cases of jigger infestation that afflicted the County.
This model could serve as a pilot for other regions in the country suffering from the same menace. A total of 3,542 people affected by jiggers were treated by Friday, February 5th, 2021. Most of the beneficiaries were school going pupils. Training was conducted on 593 adults on jigger prevention and treatment.
The university students, lecturers, and the PFC Kilifi participated in the just concluded exercise stated that the transformation was phenomenal. Children will no longer miss school due to jigger infestation. In addition, their parents are adamant about practicing jigger prevention strategies at the household level to avoid re-infestation.
The partners anticipate that jigger-infestation in the region will flatten thanks to their efforts. This is key in ensuring development at all levels.
