Kenya declares March 3 Jiggers Awareness Day

The government has recognized the growing effects of jiggers in most parts of the country and declared March 3 of every year a national day in togetherness to fight against jiggers.

The day, to be commemorated annually, has been named the “Jiggers Awareness Day” and comes after Kenya continues to fight the rising cases of jiggers infestation.

According to a research conducted by Ahadi Trust, an anti-jiggers campaign led the Mr Stanley Kamau, 60% of those affected by jiggers are children, while 70% of the remaining 40% are bachelors.

Kamau also said that women are rarely affected by these parasites.

He further cautioned those infected with jiggers to restrain from using pins to pull out the jiggers saying the method only brought pain and puts those affected at the risk of contracting HIV in the event that the same is shared among many people.

Two years ago, a policy paper prepared by Health Ministry officials and a local non-governmental agency said more than three million Kenyans were infested with jiggers.

These counties included Kiambu, Murang’a, Kilifi, Nyeri, Kwale, Baringo, Busia, Kakamega, Siaya, and Marsabit.

According to the paper, children and the elderly are among the worst affected with the infections occurring in schools, homes and other public places.