ACTIVITIES continued...

 

Anti-jigger campaign launch in Tanzania-28th May 2010
(Millions of Tanzanians infested with jiggers)

Ahadi Kenya spread the anti-jigger campaign to Tanzania a month after launching a similar one in Uganda. The launch was held at Arumeru District, Arusha in Tanzania. Ahadi has partnered with Tanzania Assembly Church of God. The campaign is the first ever to be held in the country and those present were shocked to see the extent of infestation in the area. Several people have died in the country due to the infections. It is estimated that millions of Tanzanians are suffering but are not aware that the condition is treatable. Ahadi will spread to other parts of Tanzania as we continue raising the awareness. More than 10 African countries have called on Ahadi to intervene on jigger infestation.

 
 
Infested feed of both adults and children in Arusha, Tanzania
 
 

 Ahadi team donating medication and sanitation equipment

Medical camp, Gatanga, Thika-22nd May 2010
(Ugandans awarded certificates of training)

A group of Ugandans were awarded certificates after undergoing a whole week of intensive training on managing jigger infestation. They were presented during a medical camp held at Gatunyu, Gatanga in Thika. The camp was attended by among others; G3 volunteers, Students from Baylor University, Texas in USA, Students from Kayole Diligent School of hairdressing and Abyssinia salon staff. More than 100 children were treated and fed. After the camp, recovered children were treated to a football clinic and balls donated to them.

 

G3 volunteers treating children (left) and (Right) Baylor University students feeding kids.

 

Ugandans receiving the certificates (Left) and (Right) Children undergoing football clinic

 

Visit to Kibera slum, Nairobi-19th May 2010
(3 months baby infested)

Several residents in Kibera are living at the mercy of jiggers as it was evident during Ahadi Kenya and the Media tour of the Slum. Children as young as three (3) months have to bear the pain of the pests. There had been rumors of the problem in the area but no one ever came out to report or seek assistance. Those infested said that they tried seeking help but were discouraged when people started associating the infestation with witchcraft. They added that they are forced to lock their children in the house for fear of embarrassement. It was confirmed that several residents in the area suffering in silence. Poverty and poor hygiene have caused the spread of jiggers in the Soweto village.

 

Ahadi officials holding a two (2) months jigger infested baby (left) and (Right) Kibera slums

Report from Shinyalu, Kakamega-18th May 2010
(A child's body full of jiggers)

Jigger infestation in Shinyalu, Kakamega has created a lot of concern after a child was found with his body fully covered with jiggers. Reports indicate that many people in the District are at the mercy of jiggers. Ahadi Kenya will be visiting the area in a month's time to treat and supply medication to those affected.

 
Whole body infested with jiggers
 
The hands and knees
 
The legs including Knees
 
Both hands and legs

 

Anti-jigger campaign Launch, Marsabit- 1st May 2010
(Thousands affected)

Thousands of people are living under the mercy of jiggers in Marsabit The residents of Shauri yako village in Marsabit are urging the government to intervene as this has led to some people dying while others get disabled. This was revealed during a jigger awareness campaign organized by Karura Community Chapel and supported by Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) who donated a chopper to the anti-jigger campaigners to access the area. The residents confessed that they were not aware that jiggers can be treated in hospital. More than three hundred residents were treated during the camp that was attended by Ahadi Kenya Officials which also marked the official launch of the anti-jigger campaign in Marsabit.

 
Images from Marsabit

 

Visit to Lewa Downs-24th April 2010
(Center opening)
A center to treat and fully rehabilitate more than 350 children of Lewa downs village was officially opened. The Center will be fully funded by Safaricom Limited and the activities implemented by Ahadi Kenya. The activities at the center will include; treating those affected with disinfectants, fumigating their homes, training and educating the communities, forming hygiene clubs at school and rehabilitating the children back to school. Ahadi Kenya social workers will work in collaboration with community leaders and other opinion shapers in reaching the people. The project will run for six month and it is expected that all the 350 children will be free from jiggers.

 
A child's jigger infested hands (left) and heal (right)
Ahadi director hands over sanitation materials to the community


Official Launch of anti-jigger campaign, Uganda- 10th April 2010
(East African Community to get involved)

The anti-jigger campaign was for the first time launched in Uganda by Ahadi Kenya In collaboration with Hope of Ray Community Organization. The function took place at Wandegea Village, Mayuge District, Eastern Uganda. More than three hundred people were treated during the camp that was attended by among others, government officials and local leaders. Ahadi Kenya will launch a similar campaign in Tanzania next month. Volunteers from Makerere University helped in treating the victims whom were badly infested both on their legs, hands and other parts of their bodies. The residents said that many people have suffered without knowing the solution. They called on their government to support the initiative. Those present were trained on how to treat jiggers. Ahadi will open centers in several parts of Uganda. East Africa community was urged to intervene on jigger menace in the region.

 
A jigger infested hand
 
Ahadi officials inspecting victim's legs
 
Wandegea pupils entertain visitors
 
Volunteers
 
Victims dipping their feet on medication
 
Washing and treatment

 

Anti-jigger third Anniversary-31st March 2010
(Second edition of the anti-jigger publication launched)

The anti-jigger campaign celebrated its third anniversary with a cocktail at the Laico Regency, Nairobi. During the function, the support given by the Government, Corporate bodies and well wishers for the past three years was acknowledged. So far, Ahadi Kenya has visited all the provinces in Kenya thanks to the support recieved from these bodies. A total of more than 2.6 million jigger-infested Kenyans have so far registered with the organization. 3,000 victims have fully recovered and are back to their normal lives. Ahadi has opened 40 centers countrywide with more than 1600 volunteers.

The 3rd Anniversary celebration was graced by Jimi Kibaki, the son of the President of the republic of Kenya. During it's fourth year, Ahadi Kenya will spread to other parts of Africa. Laico Regency sponsored the event.

 
Ahadi Kenya team perusing through the 2nd Jigger Report
 
Campaign ambassadors, Jalang'o and Cecilia
 
Ahadi Kenya CEO welcoming the president's son, Jimi Kibaki, to the cocktail
 
A section of the audience

 

Jigger victims taken to register as voters, Kandara - 27th March 2010
(Most victims unable to write or put a thump print)

After the Kenyan Government recently launched a voter registration exercise, Ahadi Kenya got concerned as most jigger-infested people cannot walk to the registration centers. With hired vehicles, Ahadi volunteers went from door to door picking those infested in Kandara and taking them to the centers. However, most victims were not registered as they cannot write nor give a thump print due to the infestation, especially where both hands are covered with jiggers. Ahadi has appealed to the Government to provide mobile voter registration as well as allow relatives of those affected to sign on their behalf. More than one (1) million adults are jigger infested.

Jigger infested man been carried to register as a voter

Anti-jigger launch, Othaya- 27th February 2010
(Jimi Kibaki declares war on jiggers)

Anti-jigger campaign was officially launched at the President`s home district of Othaya. The function was sponsored by Jimi Kibaki who declared total war on jiggers in the province. The launch took place at Kairia Primary School. More than 250 pupils all seriously jigger infested were treated and supplied with medication materials. A center to deal with the menace will be established in the district. This will be done in partnership with Public health ministry, provincial administration, Ministry of education and Ahadi Kenya.

 
President Kibaki`s son Jimi attends to jigger infested feet of residents of Kairia village, Othaya

Anti-jigger drive, Gatundu- 19th February 2010
(More than 300 pupils benefit)

All the students of Kiwandinga primary school in Gatundu South benefited with shoes and treatment. The camp that was attended by among others; Sotokoto Safari Marathon, Evergreen Africa Trust and Ahadi Kenya, saw the students treated, supplied with shoes and trees planted in the school. Top Kenyan marathoners led by Wakiihuri demonstrated on how they prepare for marathon. Jiggers have denied most young people from achieving in sports and other academic activities.

 
Jigger infested feet of a pupil
 
Pupils been treated
 
Pupils fitted with new shoes
 
Pupils planting trees

 

Medical Camp Kandara- 24th January 2010
(Churches join the campaign)

The Federation of Evangelical & Indigenous Church in Kenya has urged the Government to take the fight against jiggers seriously. Bishop Dr. Joseph Mothu said that his church will partner with Ahadi Kenya in their fight against jiggers. He called on all Kenyans to join in the campaign as this is will help in eradicating the problem.

Former Nairobi Mayors, Dr. Nathan Kahara and Joe Aketch called on all political leaders to stop been in denial about the problem and join in the campaign. Aketch said that the issue of jiggers is brought about by poverty and urged the government to help in the fight against poverty in Kenya.

The Bishop and the former Mayors were speaking at Kariuwa primary school, Kandara, during the thanks giving service for the award to Dr. Nathan Kahara of PHD degree by United Graduate College and Seminary (USA). Kahara Donated 3 acres of land to put up a center for the vulnerable children aged and jigger infested victims in Kandara. More than 150 children were treated of jiggers during the function that was attended by Ahadi Kenya CEO Stanley Kamau and the anti-jigger campaign ambassador Cecilia Mwangi.

 
Jigger infested feet of a child in Kandara
 
Cecilia (center) with former Mayors and the bishop

 

Home Visits, Malindi-16th January 2010
(Man using a knife to remove jiggers)

A middle aged man in Malindi was found using a kitchen knife to cut off parts of his body that are infested with jiggers. Karisa Kenga, aged 50, had no clue of how to fight the parasites that have invaded his whole body. His seven children have not been spared either. The family relies on well wishers for support. None of the children goes to school which is a few meters away. They can hardly walk due to the infestation. Ahadi supplied the family with medication and sanitation equipment and also educated them on how to manage the problem.

 
Karisa cutting jiggers from his hands.
 
Karisa`s wounded legs


Visit to Runda, Nairobi-15th December 2009
(Children living in pathetic conditions)

Several children in Mji Wa Huruma, in Runda, Nairobi, are in urgent need of medical attention due to jigger infestation. There are more than 300 jigger infested children in that village, some of whom cannot walk or fend for themselves because of jigger infestation. The slum borders Runda, one of the most prestigious suburbs in Kenya. Most of the infested children's parents work for the Runda residents. Mji wa Huruma is one of the Nairobi slums affected by the jigger menace. Others are Kibera, Kasarani and Dagoretti.

 
The jigger infested feet of children from Mji Wa Huruma
 
The children's jigger infested fingers (left) and heel (right)


Jamhuri Day-12th December 2009
(Head of State Commendation)

Ahadi Kenya Campaign ambassador Miss World Kenya 2005, Cecilia Mwangi and Founder, Stanley Kamau, were awarded the Head of State Commendation (HSC) by his Excellency the president of the republic of Kenya, Mwai Kibaki. This is in recognition for their dedication towards the fight against jiggers in Kenya. The anti-jigger campaign has been going on for the last three years, with Ahadi Kenya being the only organization fighting this menace. More than 2.6 million jigger infested Kenyans are registered with Ahadi. Significant achievements have been made in the fight against the menace. They include rehabilitation of recovered people back to normalcy. The organization takes this opportunity to thank his Excellency the President for the recognition.

 
The Head of State Commendation medal
 
Ahadi Kenya Trust ambassador, Cecilia Mwangi, and founder, Stanley Kamau, attending to jigger infested children

 

Medical camp Gatanga-29th November 2009
(Over 7000 people treated of various ailments)

More than 7000 people from Gatanga constituency were treated of various ailments with over 1000 treated for severe jigger infestation. The exercise was conducted by 150 volunteers and medical personnel from Aga Khan, Lions Club hospital and Kenyatta National Hospital. The camp was jointly sponsored by Ahadi Kenya Trust, Barclays Bank, Levans Hotel Upperhill and a Nairobi businessman Humphrey Kimani Njuguna.

 
Children's feet heavily infested with jiggers in Gatanga constituency
 
Children infested waiting for treatment (left) and volunteers attending to the victims

 

Visit to Laikipia Districts-20th to 23rd November 2009
(50 missionaries trained)

A team of missionaries from New Springs Church USA were trained and later took part in jigger eradication campaigns in Laikipia Districts. Several villages are highly infested with jiggers in the district especially the squatters. The missionaries are targeting to attend to at least 1000 infested children during their 6 days visit. They are in the country courtesy of The 410 Bridge International an NGO that runs their missions in Kenya.

 
Missionaries undergoing training (left) and treating jigger infested children (right)
 
Homes been fumigated by the missionaries (left) and (right) children relaxing after treatment

 

Visit to Kanunga Village, Kiambu- 14th November 2009
(Several children dropping out of school)

Several children eligible to join standard one next year may not see the inside of classroom due to jigger infestation in Kiambu. Most of them have already dropped out of nursery school this year after been attacked by the pests. This was revealed when Children of Kirawa Road Primary School, Westlands joined Ahadi Kenya in an anti-jigger campaign in Kanunga Village, Kiambaa, Kiambu District. The children had an opportunity to experience what other children from rural areas go through. More than 100 children were treated and fed.

 
A child`s infested feet (left) and (right) her infested hands
 
Children from Kirawa Road Primary School washing (left) and (right) presenting their donations

 

Visit to Gatundu South-31st October 2009 
(High jigger infestation)

Gatundu south District is among the highly jigger infested districts in central Kenya. Poverty and lack of proper hygiene is also evident in the area. In a medical camp sponsored by Cooperative Bank, more than 100 children were treated and supplied with foodstuff and clothing. Some children had gone for days without food and looked very weak. Jiggers have deformed some of the children to an extent that they can hardly walk or even write. The teachers present appealed to well wishers to come out and offer support for this young innocent kids to enjoy free primary education.

 
Jigger infested feet (left) and volunteers distributing shoes to the children
 
Visit to Mukurueini, Nyeri-24th October 2009
(Jiggers caused death)

A man died in Mukurueini after severe jigger infestation. According to his relatives, the man had resulted to cutting off the affected areas of his body with a knife. His wife was not spared either and had her whole body affected by the parasites. The Ahadi team visited the man's homestead and left medication in order to at least to save the life of the old woman. A few other people have died in the same area according to the neighbours. Ahadi then proceeded to Tambaya primary school where more than 200 children were treated and fed at a jigger medical camp sponsored by Barclays Bank.

 
Jigger infested foot of a child
 
Volunteers from Barclays feeding the kids

 

Visit to Solai, Nakuru-17th October 2009
(Extreme poverty)

There is extreme poverty in Solai, Nakuru, as was witnessed during our anti-jigger campaign in the area. Most victims share personal effects because as many as ten people share a single living unit. Some of these living units are themselves in a sorry state of repair. The issue of jigger infestation is not different from other regions although victims here are more stigmatized. Jigger attacks were evident in the legs, hands and other parts of the victims' bodies. The campaign was attended by, among others, the provincial administration, public health officials, church leaders, the community and volunteers. More than 100 children were treated and supplied with foodstuff.

 
A child been treated (left) and (right) students volunteers from a nearby secondary school

Medical Camp in Nyahururu- 3rd October 2009
(Several children out of School)

A big number of children from Sirare primary school in Nyahururu have been dropping out of school due to jigger infestation. Three people have also died in the area after severe jigger infestation. This was revealed at a medical camp organized by Gaplink International. More than one thousand people benefited from the camp whose activities included; washing and treatment of jigger infested people, supply of clothing's & shoes and distribution of food. The entire school and a few neighboring homes were fumigated by volunteers who came all the way from Nakuru.

 
A child's jigger infested feet
 
Provincial administration helping in treatment

Anti-Jigger Campaign Launch Western Kenya- 18th September 2009
(More than 500 children treated)

The anti-jigger campaign was finally officially launched in Western Kenya. The launch took place at Ematsuli Primary School, Emuhaya constituency. According to the area MP Hon. Wilber Otichillo who graced the function, 15% of the constituents are jigger infested. More than 500 school-going children were treated on that day. Emuhaya Constituency CDF office was identified to serve as the information office for all jigger related issues in that region. A social worker was also employed to attend to those in need of medication. Ahadi Kenya has appealed to everyone with jiggers to come out and be attended to. Ahadi will also support the center.

 
Jigger infested feet of the children in Emuhaya

 

Emuhaya MP, Hon Wilber Otichilo treating the children (Right) and (Left) a volunteer fumigates the classrooms

All Corporate Jigger Eradication Day-12th September 2009
(32 corporate bodies took part)

Several corporate bodies and individuals took part in the All Corporate Jigger Eradication Day held at Gaichanjiru Primary School, Kandara. More than 1000 children and adults were attended to during the medical camp. Most corporates adopted 10 children while individuals adopted 1 child each. The activities included; washing and treating the children with jiggers, entertainment from several groups, presentation of various donations, presentation of participation certificates and feeding the children. The event was aired live by KBC. The All Corporate Jigger Eradication Day will be taking place every year in different provinces in Kenya.

Seriously jigger-infested feet and (right) hands
 
Corporate bodies taking part during the All Corporate Jigger Eradication Day
Parapet
Ketepa
Pan Africa Life
Savlon
KCB
Equity
AAR
Children from Joram Gitau Children's Home entertaining attendees
Rotary Club (Mashariki) making their cheque presentation
   
Ahadi Kenya's Cecilia Mwangi and Monica Waceke, KBC Programmes Manager, present participation certificates to representatives of Magnate Ventures (left) and the Lydia Mocheche Foundation (right)

 

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