The Ministry of Health has resolved to adopt a multi-agency approach, including a private-public partnership strategy, in the fight against the jigger menace.
Public Health Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni revealed on Monday that the jigger infestation is affecting about 1.4 million people, saying the parasite is one of the most neglected public health challenges.
She remarked that the highest prevalence rates of jigger infestation are among the poorest households in the Central, Nyanza, Western, Coast, and Rift Valley regions.
Muthoni said there is a need for concerted efforts by bringing onboard community health promoters to advocate for prevention interventions such as personal and housing hygiene.
The PS spoke in a Murang’a hotel during the launch of a lotion produced by Saraya Kenya, a non-governmental organisation that will help in the treatment of jigger infestations within a period of two weeks.
Ms. Muthoni said the lotion, dubbed Saraya Jigger, is expected to bring relief to many patients
and significantly contribute to improving the lives of many who suffer from this condition across the country.
‘This innovative solution represents a vital step forward in ongoing efforts to combat jiggers,’ observed the PS, adding that research shows that the most at-risk populations include school-going children, the elderly, and physically disabled persons.
She added that providing effective treatment will significantly reduce the suffering caused by this condition, improving the quality of life for countless affected individuals and communities.
The PS observed that the risk factors for jigger’s infestation include poor housing, poor personal hygiene, spending time in an environment infested by fleas in close proximity to the ground, and sharing accommodation with livestock and poultry.
Further, the PS said Ahadi Kenya and the Saraya organisation have been key partners in the development of a new medication that effectively suppresses and treats infections caused by jiggers.
‘The Ministry has collabo
rated with Ahadi Kenya for the past 10 years and with the Saraya organisation for the last five years, working together to reduce the impact of jigger infestation and improve public health outcomes,’ she averred.
She continued: ‘These partnerships and efforts have seen significant progress in reducing jigger infestation, thus helping in efforts to combat this health challenge.’
Managing Director for Saraya Kenya, Takeo Hojo, said the new medication has been under research for 15 years and has been rigorously tested and confirmed for both safety and efficacy.
Hojo noted that his team, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Ahadi Trust Kenya, Nagasaki University, and their Japanese partner ‘Result Japan’, has been diligently addressing the jigger issue, advancing research and development efforts towards its solution.
He said the lotion will play a vital role in the eradication of jiggers and provide affected patients with the opportunity to lead healthier and more productive lives.
‘Although this di
sease can be prevented through improved living conditions and appropriate medical interventions, it continues to affect many people,’ he said, adding that a bottle of 480 ml of the lotion will treat up to 80 people.
He further noted that his organisation is committed to the research and development of hygiene products and pharmaceuticals, with the goal of consistently providing products and services that enhance health and well-being.
On his part, the Director of Ahadi, Kenya Trust, Dr. Stanley Kamau, urged the Ministry of Health and partners to make the treatment and medication readily available to the people who have been affected.
‘The national and county governments should come up with policies and strategies on how to make this treatment free to avoid people turning to other alternatives which are harmful. My plea is to county assemblies to ensure necessary laws are put in place to support the course because most of the affected people are from poor backgrounds,’ added Kamau.
He noted with concern th
at there have been cases where houses have been burnt down as a result of using paraffin in misguided efforts to control jigger infestations.
Kamau further argued that in some communities, jiggers are associated with witchcraft, saying the problem is caused by poor hygiene and can be adequately addressed through medical support.
On her part, Prime Cabinet Secretary’s spouse, Tessy Mudavadi, who graced the occasion, noted that the launch of the Saraya lotion is a symbol of hope in the fight to eradicate jiggers.
She stated the problem has mostly affected the lowly in society, urging the public to avoid stigmatising those infested by the parasites.
Tessy proposed that the lotion be included in the Community Health Promoters kits to enable them to provide treatment to those affected by jiggers at the grassroots level.
Source : Kenya News Agency