AHADI KENYA TRUST

Ahadi Kenya is the Global Leadership & Management Award 2009 winner, A Non Governmental Organization started three years ago and whose major activity is to eradicate jiggers in Kenya.

The objectives of Ahadi Kenya are:

• Mobilize resources in order to address the needs of poor communities.
• Promote good health behavior among Kenyans
• Advocate for health and social rights.

Our Vision
A promise for a better, healthier life

Our Mission
To create a better life for Kenyans, a promise to bridge the poverty gap by empowering women and youth in Kenya.

Our Partners
Ahadi Kenya works in partnership with the Ministry of health, Ministry of education, corporate bodies, NGO’s Media and Community based organizations in the implementation of our projects.

Our Network
Ahadi Kenya has centers in Central, Coast, Eastern, Western, Nyanza and Rift valley provinces in Kenya. We have also lauched the campaign in the neighbouring countries.

Message from Founder

With over 2.6 million jigger infested Kenyans registered by Ahadi Kenya Trust, I can say jigger infestation is of great concern. Many people have been suffering from jigger infestation in silence. No comprehensive survey has been carried out, making it difficult to give the actual number of those affected.

But the effects of jigger infestation are not vague. With school going children dropping out of school, and the spread of HIV/Aids among the infested through sharing of pins and other removing equipment; these are but just a few of the effects of jiggers infestation. Jigger victims also have to deal with stigmatisation and ridicule, being unable to exercise their voting rights due to disability, poverty and in extreme cases, death.
Jigger infestation, caused by poverty and subsequently lack of proper hygiene, has so far claimed the lives of over 265 people in the last two years. There is no doubt this number could be higher, as most cases go unreported.

Lack of political goodwill has been one of our biggest challenges in the fight against this menace, as political leaders feel embarrassed to come out and talk about jiggers. But our partnership with the Government ministries, especially the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation, has boosted the Anti-Jigger campaign. The media, corporate bodies, religious organizations, opinion leaders, as well as support from individual well wishers has been overwhelming.

Through that support, Ahadi Kenya Trust has had the joy of seeing children who a while ago could not walk, get back to school, while adults who depended on handouts get involved in income generating activities. So far, more than 3000 people have been treated and fully rehabilitated. In Kenya, all the eight provinces have reported cases of jigger infestation, with a few isolated cases in Nairobi province. Our neighbouring countries have not been spared either, and are seeking our assistance. As we look forward to completely eradicating jiggers in Kenya by the year 2015, plans are also underway to take jigger eradication campaigns to other African countries soon. Galatians 6:9- 'Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart!'

- Stanley Kamau Maina , HSC

Summary of activities undertaken by Ahadi Kenya Trust in JIGGER ERADICATION

Registration Registration of jigger infested persons: Ahadi Kenya Trust has so far registered over 2.6 million jigger infested Kenyans. The ministry of Public Health estimates that 10 million people are affected by the menace. The registration is ongoing.

The jigger infested foot of a child The legs of a jigger infested child

Treatment Treatment of jigger infested persons: Several medical are being held to treat jigger victims. Leaders, including ministers and other senior Government officials, have joined Ahadi Kenya Trust volunteers in these exercises.

Volunteers treat jigger-infested victims Well wishers washing children's feet

Fumigation Fumigation and supply of sanitation equipment: Ahadi Kenya Trust is conducting home visits, to spray and supply jigger infested people with sanitation materials to be used in killing, and preventing the effects of jigger causing fleas. Ahadi Kenya Trust together with volunteers is visiting homes for those infested and supplied them with medication, sanitation equipments, foodstuff s and clothing.

Ahadi Kenya Trust official fumigates a manyatta Volunteer sprinkles disinfectant powder to kill fleas

Home visits Ahadi Kenya Trust together with volunteers is visiting homes for those infested and supplied them with medication, sanitation equipments, foodstuff and clothing.

A jigger victim being treated and supplied with food stuff Volunteer consoling a jigger infested family

Training Ahadi Kenya Trust organises seminars, workshops and social forums, to train the communities and leaders on how to manage jigger infestation.

Team building session with volunteers Training missionaries on jigger infestation management

Rehabilitation Ahadi Kenya Trust supplies children who have recovered from jigger infestation with books and other learning materials, to help them get back to school.

Children supplied with materials A child receiving learning materials

Empowerment A beekeeping project and other agricultural activities to help the adults earn some income are launched. This projects help them gain food security and break the poverty cycle. Farming equipment are also supplied.

A beekeeping project for recovered Supply of farm inputs to empower recovered adults

Partnership Ahadi Kenya Trust is training partnerships with government institutions, the private sector, individuals and community. This is a way of creating project ownership and sustainability.

Cecilia joining Maendeleo ya Wanawake Provincial Administration join in the campaign