Written by Eric Lumbasi 2012-08-09 11:31:00 Read 612 Times

More than 120 pupils of Kamusinde FYM Primary School in Kimilili District of Bungoma County infested with jiggers got free treatment from a non-governmental organization in a campaign dubbed Operation Anti-jiggers. 

Speaking after the event, its Bungoma County co-ordinator Alex Simiyu said it is as a result of the public outcry that they decided to tackle the issue head-on in order to enable the pupils have a conducive environment for learning. 

He said that it was alarming for the school to have such a large population of students infested with jiggers which sometimes ends up paralyzing learning process in the school. 

“We are collaborating with the Ministry of Public Health together with the community health workers in various Counties to administer this free jigger treatment to schools,” said Simiyu. 

He further disclosed that they will be extending their services to members of the society as a way of making sure the jigger menace is a thing of the past in Kenya. 

“It is disheartening to note how a cross section of low class family members have been infested by jiggers in their feet while some, as far as to their private parts yet all this can be controlled through maintaining proper sanitation in our homes,” noted Simiyu. 

TOP AND ABOVE: A Kamusinde Primary School pupil infested with jiggersbeing treated. [PHOTO|Eric Lumbasi|West Fm]

Jiggers having been declared a national disaster he reiterated that it will be better for the society to cooperate with such groups to fight the menace instead of forming up opposition forces that aim to pull down their efforts. 

He further disclosed that the group had earlier treated infested people in Teso and Sinoko and the aftermath response was overwhelming since the residents had embraced cleanliness in their homes. 

On his side the Kimilili Medical Officer of Health Mutoro Wambasi applauded the exercise and called upon other volunteering groups to show up in the district to help in fighting against jiggers in the district.

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