By Enock Okong’o
Jiggers are one of the main obstacles affecting one hundred per cent transition of learners from pre-primary school to primary school in Kisii county.
According to the Kisii Anti-Jiggers Campaign team led by Nyakundi King’oina, the most affected children are those from poor homes whose families stay in houses with dusty floors which encourage multiplication of fleas.
He said that some households do not clean their floors due to ignorance and general laziness which exposes their children to jigger infestation.
“The parents need to be sensitized on the dangers of jiggers to their children,” he said.
King’oina observed that there is urgent need to eliminate the menace as it affects children’s legs making it difficult for them to walk to school in addition to causing insomnia because of overnight irritation.
The officer revealed that the fleas infest the body of the victim and feeds on their blood to grow and mature into jiggers.
“A child infested by jiggers also suffers from anemia,” he added.
He noted that since his team started the fight against jiggers in the county, they have treated children and adults from 280 homes.
However, he cited lack of funds as a major challenge in sourcing insecticides to spray more homes.
“We would like to accomplish a lot in this fight but we lack money to aid in buying insecticides,” he said.
He appealed to both National and County governments to support volunteers in fighting the menace.
According to the County Executive Committee Member for Health Leah Ogega, her office in collaboration with Governor Simba Arati’s wife Mrs. Kwamboka has started a campaign to stop the jigger menace in the county.
“The jigger menace is a reality in the county but we thank God the Governor’s office has noted and promised to eliminate it,” she said.
Governor Arati promised to support any groups that will stand to protect children’s rights.
He appealed to families whose children are affected by malnutrition and jiggers not to be ashamed of bringing them out for early interventions.
While addressing the public at his Motonto home recently, the governor pledged to support the welfare of children by allowing them access to good health, shelter and food.
