Kisii residents affected by jiggers have been asked to overlook stigma and discrimination and volunteer for treatment.
Gloria Omari, a clinician at Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital said the jigger problem has become acute and said urgent interventions were the only remedy against the problem.
She was speaking on Thursday during the launch of the anti-jigger campaign at Mitengero village in Kisii Central ward, Kisii County an initiative of a community based organisation, Brothers Keeper.
She also asked the county government to sensitise the public on causes and preventive measures against jiggers’ outbreak.
“I ask those affected with jiggers to come out for treatment. This is because some people hide in their homes for fear of stigma and discrimination. However, they should also be sensitised well on the causes and preventive measures against outbreak of jiggers,” she noted.
Her sentiments were supported by Ms Brendah Kwamboka Mageka, Programs Manager with Young Women Christian Association, Kisii branch.
Ms Mageka indicated that most people affected with jiggers live in dilapidated houses and the surroundings are a perfect breeding ground for fleas. She advised residents to embrace hygiene so as to prevent the outbreak of jiggers.
Fifty people were treated of jiggers in the anti-jigger campaign launch.
Those treated were given shoes, clothes and food stuffs.
Among the persons treated were 80-year-old, Hellena Nyangweso and 75-year-old, Evans Ratemo.
Also, children underwent free treatment including a one and half year old child.
They lauded the initiative of Brothers Keeper CBO aimed at eradicating jiggers and poverty in the community.
Area Assistant Chief Josphat Anyega challenged the public health sector to allocate enough resources for community service.
He said they are offering administrative work and dispelled wide spread allegations that they do not support community health workers in villagers.
“We are in support of such programs in our community aimed at restoring health of our people. The main challenge is that the health sector seems to be strained with resources and therefore we ask the government to put enough resources for the war against jiggers,” said the assistant chief for Nyansancha/Nyanchwa sub-location.