Updated 22 September 2008
In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya conducted a one day Health Action Day on August 4, 2008. This Anti Jigger Infestation Campaign was a follow up of the Camp held earlier in December, 2007. The campaign targeted children in Burani, Bahakanda and Miamba Centers in rural areas of Kwale District.
The Health Action Day creates awareness on Jigger Infestation amongst people in the rural areas, who due to various factors like distantly placed Health facilities, high illiteracy level, poverty, socio-cultural beliefs and unaffordable cost of treatment are unable to access treatment for Jigger Infestation.
The campaign commenced with Health Talks given by the Medical Officers on control measures on Jigger Infestation and emphasis on personal hygiene. Jiggers and fleas are like larvae of certain insects that feed on the nectar of the flowering trees especially mangoes and cashew nuts. At this stage they are parasitic and skip to the ground staying in the soil seeding hosts. Victims are bitten, the flea pierces and enters the blood stream where it feeds and lays nits in the blood. At this stage the victim feels itchy and if left within them spreads throughout the blood, sometimes being fatal. The victims of this disease are mostly children attending Pre-Primary School, under the age group of 14 years who walk for long distances.
Eradication of Jigger fleas was also done by health workers who carried out spraying insecticides in schools, madrasahs, classes, kitchens and neighboring areas.
A total of 272 patients were treated (Burani 136 patients, Bahakanda -78 patients and Miamba – 58 patients)
Bilal Muslim Mission of Kenya would like to thank all those involved in this Health Action Campaign. A hearty commendation goes to the students of Jaffery Academy (Junior) who launched sponsor Hadith memorization to raise funds. The valuable cooperation received from the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, Kwale District Offices is highly appreciated.
For more information, visit www.kenbilal.org