Jiggers are tiny sand fleas found in hot, dry, sub-Saharan climates. They may be small, but the damage caused by these skin-burrowing insects can have serious impacts on the livelihoods of rural people. According to the Kill the Jigger Campaign, it is estimated that over 1.4 million people are affected by jiggers in Kenya alone.
Jiggers typically bury into the feet or hands of a host, and lay multiple eggs which destroys soft tissue. In areas where access to water is difficult and hygiene is poor, this often results in open wounds that become infected. Infections can cause lymphangitis, gangrene, sepsis, and can even lead to amputation. Children and the elderly are often the most highly affected – with children having to drop out of school due to the pain and immobility. Parents often watch on helplessly – unable to do much due to lack of accessible healthcare and information.
Ol Pejeta’s Human Capital Department set out to organise a series of anti-jigger clinics in the villages surrounding the Conservancy, in an attempt to reduce the number of people affected by this avoidable indisposition. On August 29th, over 20 Ol Pejeta staff members teamed up with the Debatas Community Health Worker to set up the very first clinic – where affected residents turned up in high numbers for treatment.
The approach was both curative and preventative. The victims were treated and advised on proper hygiene by the Ol Pejeta Company nurse Kennedy Kariuki. On top of this, a team from Ol Pejeta went round fumigating affected houses and advising residents on preventative measures.
The relief of the treated patients was tangible
At the end of the day, the clinic had reached out to, and treated, hundreds of residents. The Ol Pejeta Human Capital Department further equipped the Community Health Worker’s office with the requisite treatment material in order to continue the campaign. The residents expressed their gratitude and re-affirmed their commitment to co-operating with Ol Pejeta to eradicate jiggers.
This was the first in a series of anti-jigger clinics that Ol Pejeta plans to undertake. If you would like to learn more and support our community efforts, please contact our Community Manager- Moses Muthoki- moses.muthoki@olpejetaconservancy.org