ACTIVITIES

Introduction

Since its inception, The Anti-Jigger Campaign (an Ahadi Kenya initiative) has visited many parts of the country, fighting the jigger menace. Below is a summary of the activities, starting with the latest...

Visit to Gatundu South-11th February 2012
(Small children infested)

Small children as young as 7 months are infested with jiggers in Gatundu. The children have their hands and legs badly infested. Ahadi Kenya visited the families over the weekend and supplied them with medication and other materials. Food was also distributed to the affected families.

Children aged 7 months and 1 year infested with jiggers

Visit to Kipsongo slums, Kitale-3rd February 2012
(Hunger and poor shelter witnessed)

More than 350 people from Kipsongo slums in Kitale benefited from sanitation and medication donated by Ahadi Kenya and KCB foundation. During the visit that was also graced by the area MP Hon. Eugene Wamalwa, the residents complained of hunger and poor shelter. Many of those affected do not have houses and go for days without food. Others who joined in the visit included KCB bank staff, local leaders and school community. Many children do not and have never attended school. Ahadi Kenya appointed social workers to carry out the project in the slums.

An old woman infested with jiggers (Left) and Hon Wamalwa assisting in treatment (Right)

Visit to Gatanga constituency- 14th January 2012
(A woman dies due to jigger infestation)

A woman in Gatanga constituency died after severe jigger infestation. This brings the number of those who have died in the last five years to over 400. Her death has come when Ahadi Kenya in partnership with a German university and the ministry of Health have launched a research on jigger medication. Ahadi Kenya team led by the campaign Ambassador Cecilia Mwangi visited the family at Rwegetha location to console the family.

Ahadi Kenya CEO addressing the mourners in Gatanga.

Feeding Program, Mji Wa Huruma, Nairobi-15th December 2011
(Launch of feeding program for Xmas)

Ahadi Kenya in partnership with corporate bodies, individual well wishers and volunteers, has launched a program to feed at least 1 million Kenyans. The program targets jigger-infested people, disabled, aged and orphans among other unfortunate people in our society. The launch took place at Mji Wa Huruma slums. The event was sponsored by Jacaranda Group of Hotels. The distribution of food will be carried out in all our centers countrywide. We take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year 2012.

Cutting the christmas cake at Mji wa Huruma (Left) and Distributing food in Gatanga (Right)

Children's Rights Media Awards-26th November 2011
(Ahadi Kenya Awarded for working with children)

Ahadi Kenya Trust was awarded the Community Children's Hero Award at the annual Children's Rights Awards Gala night held at the Laico Regency. The event was graced by Gichugu MP and Presidential aspirant Hon. Martha Karua. The awards recognise media houses, organisations and individuals working to better the lives of children.

Cecilia Mwangi, Dr. Kamau and Natasha Metto holding the awards (Left) and Hon Karua presenting the award (Right)

Visit to Kimunyu Primary School, Gatundu-25th November 2011
(Three (3) months baby infested)

A three-month-old baby was treated of jiggers at Kimunyu Primary School in Gatundu. The baby was brought in by her jigger-infested mother during the jigger treatment camp sponsored by KPLC Thika. More than 100 children benefited from the donations. Those in attendance included the provincial administration, teachers, community volunteers and KPLC staff.

A Child`s feet deformed by jiggers (Left) and KPLC staff attending to the three (3) months baby

Medical Camp, Mukurweini, Nyeri County-12th November 2011
(Professionals from Nairobi sponsored)

Professionals working in Nairobi from Mukurweini Constituency in Nyeri County sponsored a medical camp to wipe out in Kaheti village. The proffessionals were led by Peter Waita who donated a total of Ksh. 200,000. Others were Former Member of Parliament Hon. Mutahi Kagwe and Former Member of Parliament of Mandaraka Hon Dick Wathika both contributing Ksh.10,000 each. During the camp, more than 200 children were treated and supplied with foodstuff. The function was held at Kaheti Catholic Parish.

Jigger infested feet of a child (Left) and (Right) Volunteers at work during the camp in Mukurweini

MSK Gala night, KWS - 11th November 2011
(Ahadi Kenya, Kamau awarded)

Ahadi Kenya trust received peer recognition as the best Social Marketing effort as the Executive Director Dr. Stanley Kamau was installed as a marketing Warrior by the Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK). The award ceremony was held at the KWS during MSK annual gala night. Ahadi Kenya has partnered with over 65 corporate bodies.

Dr Kamau holding the shield and trophy ( left) and ( Right) the certificate issued to Ahadi Kenya

Anti-jigger Awareness campaign in Thika, Kiambu County-22nd October 2011
(16 Big Brother Africa 2011 housemates participate)

The Big Brother 2011 housemates jetted into Kenya on 20th October 2011 for a three-day jigger awareness campaign. They held a media conference with the Prime minister`s wife, Madam Ida Odinga, and Nairobi Town Clerk, Philip Kisia, on 21st before holding a medical camp on 22nd at Kiandutu village, Thika, Kiambu County. They helped treat more than 500 children infested with jiggers. They also took part in planting trees at Garissa Road primary school in memory of the late Wangari Maathai. The housemates were led by Parson Wendal, the winner from Zimbabwe. Their whole trip was sponsored by Samsung.

BBA 2011 Housemates meeting with Madam Ida Odinga (left) and participating in the medical camp in Thika (Right)

Planting a tree (Left) and jigger infested hands of one of the victins treated (Right)

Millennium Developments Goals Awards (MDGs) - 21st October 2011
(Ahadi Kenya presented with Distiguised Service Award)
Ahadi Kenya Trust was awarded with the Distinguished Service Award for its outstanding contribution towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals 2015. The award was given by MDG`s Trust Fund. Presenting the award, MDGs Trust Fund Executive Director Ben Omondi said that Ahadi Kenya has contributed a lot in making sure that children are in school. He noted that several children are hindered from attending school due to jigger infestation and Ahadi Kenya is playing a very big role in achieving universal primary education. He called on Kenyans to recognise those changing the lives of our people when still alive.

MDGs Trust Fund CEO Ben Omondi presenting the award to Ahadi CEO Dr. Stanley Kamau

Anti-Jigger Campaign Launch, Eldoret-14th October 2011
(Former President`s security officer infested)

The Anti-jigger Campaign was launched in Eldoret by the Ahadi Kenya Trust. Most of the worst affected areas include Munyaka, Kimumu, Silas, Ngomongo and Kenya Service in Eldoret East, Langas, Kabiamit, Hill Schoolt and Elview in Eldoret South, Huruma, Mwanzo, Mail Ine and Kamukunji in Eldoret North. More than 300 children turned up for treatment among them a former security officer at Former President the late Hon. Jomo Kenyatta Gatundu home. The locals confirmed that many people are suffering but stigma and redicule made them not come out for treatment. The launch was sponsored by KCB Foundation.

Jigger-infested heel (left) and volunteers attending to those infested in Eldoret

Visit to Ikolomani, Kakamega County-1st October 2011
(16 Ambassadors join Anti-jigger Campaign)

16 African Ambassadors to Kenya under the banner of African Diplomatic Corp (ADC) joined Ahadi Kenya Trust in an anti-jigger campaign at Eregi Primary, Ikolomani, Kakamega County. During the camp, more than 300 people were treated and supplied with food stuff. The Ambassadors pledged to buy shoes and other clothings for the victims. They also pledged to continue supporting this project. The medical camp was sponsored by Safaricom Ltd.

Jigger infested feet of victims in Ikolomani

Ambassadors treating victims (left) and making their contribution (Right)

Visit to Othaya, Nyeri County-17th September 2011
(Camp sponsored by Jimmy Kibaki)

More than 300 children benefited from medication, sanitation materials and food, courtesy of Jimmy Kibaki, son of President of the Republic of Kenya Hon. Mwai Kibaki. Ahadi Kenya held a medical camp at Kagonye Primary School where the beneficiaries were treated and fed. A team of volunteers was appointed to follow up in the victims' homes to fumigate and kill the jigger-causing fleas. This was the second time Ahadi was visiting Othaya Constituency. Reports indicate that there has been a lot of improvement in the constituency over the last one year.

Jigger infested feet of a child (left) and Miss World Kenya 2011, Susan Anyango attending to a child

Miss World Visit to Mathira, Nyeri-9th July 2011
(Beauty with a Purpose)

Miss World Alexandria Mills, Miss Africa Emma Wareus and Miss Venezuela Andrina Vasini join anti-jigger campaign in Kenya. They were accompanied by the President of Miss World, Julia Morley.They were visiting the country to award Natasha Metto, the reigning Miss World Kenya for winning the 'Beauty with a Purpose' segment of the Miss World finals in China last year. The group took part in an anti-jigger medical camp sponsored by KCB Foundation at Ragati Primary School, Mathira, in Nyeri County. More than 1000 children were treated during the exercise that was attended by, among others, Administration Police and the area MP Hon. Ibrahim Maina.

Reigning Miss World, Alexandria Mills, arrives at Mathira led by AP band (left) and (right) Miss World President chats with infested children.

Reigning Miss World Alexandria Mills with other beauty queens wash the feet and hands of jigger-infested children at Ragati primary school, Mathira District.

Children`s feet infested with jiggers

Miss World Alexandria Mills, accompanied by Cecilia Mwangi and current Miss World Kenya Natasha Metto, tend to jigger-infested children Ragati primary school

Visit to Gatanga constituency-1st July 2011
(Several Children out of school)

Several children are out of school in Gatanga constituency after been heavily infested with jiggers. KPMG in partnership with Ahadi Kenya visited Gakurari Primary School where more than 100 children were treated, fed and supplied with sanitation equipments. Lack of political goodwill has been a major setback to the fight against jiggers in the region.

Ahadi CEO holding a two year child infested with jiggers (Left) and a heavily infested foot (Right)

Volunteers collecting washing and treatment materials(Left) and (Right) attending to the children

Lewa Marathon activities- 23th June- 25th June 2011
(Homes cleaned and children treated)

As part of activities during 2011 Lewa Safaricom Marathom, Safaricom Foundation in partnership with Lewa Conservancy and Ahadi Kenya organised a cleanup campaign on 23rd June 2011, a medical camp on 24thJune and set up an information desk at the finish line on 25th June 2011. All the activities were to educate and train communities and participants on ways and means of eradicating Jiggers. Ahadi Kenya has been running a jigger help center at Lewa Down primary school for the last 2 years. The project is sponsored by Safaricom. Among those who took part in the activities included Mrs Claire Collymore, the wife of Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore.

Legs and hands of children from Lewa primary school infested with jiggers

The clean up campaign (left), Medical camp (middle) and the information center (right)

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International African achivers Awards 2011, UK-27th May 2011
(Ahadi Kenya gets three (3) Awards)

After been nominated for the International African Achievers Awards, Ahadi Kenya through the Executive Director Dr. Stanley Kamau bagged a total of three (3) awards. The awards are Reducing Child Mortality award, Sanitation & General Health award and Special Country award.The awards are in recognition of individuals, groups and organisations working towards achieving the millennium goal 2015. The award ceremony was held at the Hilton hotel, Bradford city in the UK.

Ahadi Kenya dedicated the awards to the Kenyan people for their support in eradication of jiggers.

Kamau receiving the awards (left) and holding the three awards (right)

Visit to Kigumo, Muranga County-14th May 2011
(Jiggers disable children)

Several children are disabled by jiggers in Kigumo district, Murang'a County. This was revealed during a jigger medical camp organised by Ahadi Kenya Trust and sponsored by Barclays Bank. During the event, more than 300 children were treated and fed. The function was attended by educational officials, provincial administration, church leaders and the community members. Enough sanitation and medical equipments were distributed.

Jigger infested feet of children in Kigumo District, Muranga County

A visit to Thika District Hospital-13th April 2011
(A family of five (5) admitted)

A family of five (5) are admitted at Thika district hospital after been attacked by jiggers. The victims were rushed to the hospital by a well wisher who found the family enclosed in their house. The 38 years old mother has called on well wishers to help her be able to educate her children aged between 2 and 12 years. Ahadi Kenya visited the family and promised to pay the hospital bills and seek for funds to support the family.

Jigger infested Hand and legs of the family members admitted at hospital

Training of trainers in Samburu-8th April 2011
(Compassion social workers trained)

Social workers from Samburu were trained on jigger management. This is a way of building capacity among different groups to be able to eradicate the jigger menace. The training was sponsored by Compassion International for their social worker working in Sirata, Lareoibor, Yaiamo, Milimani and Noomotio villages. The training was held in Maralal.

Trainers demonstrating on how to treat (left) and a jigger infested child (right)

4th Anniversary celebrations, Muranga-26th March 2011
(Recovered victims empowered)

After four years of fighting jiggers, Ahadi Kenya has treated and rehabilitated more than 200,000 victims. Poverty is a major cause of jigger infestation. To break the poverty cycle, Ahadi Kenya launched a banana planting project for the recovered victims in Murang'a as a way of empowering them and preventing further infestation. More than 50 people directly benefitted from the project that will also benefit the whole community as it will be a learning center for the residents. The project is funded by KCB Foundation. The event was attended by, among others, administration police volunteers, provincial administration representatives, KCB officials and the public.

Recovered persons joined by volunteers in a dance (left) and their clear message (Right)

The launch of the project (Left) and Volunteers taking part in planting the bananas (Right)

Anti-jigger campaign launch, South Coast, Mzabweni-12th March 2011
(People believe in witchcraft)

Mzabweni is one of the highly jigger infested district in coast province. Others include Kwale, kilifi, Malindi, Tana River, Lamu and Kaloleni. More than 400,000 people are jigger infested in the region. Ahadi Kenya partnered with Safaricom and Camps Kenya to launch the campaign aimed at reducing the belief that jiggers are the result of witchcraft. Several people in the region seek the intervention from witch doctors instead of seeking medical attention. During the launch more than 300 children were treated and supplied with sanitation and medical equipment. The event was held at Makongeni Primary School.

Dance group entertaning guests during the launch (Left) and school children in attendance (Right)

Jigger infested foot of a child (Left) and (Right) volunteers treating the children

Training of Trainers on jigger manangment, Malindi-24th February 2011
(Churches join anti-jigger campaign)
 Several churches working under Compassion International were trained on ways and means of eradicating jiggers. The churches were drawn from Malindi, Kilifi and Kaloleni.  More than 16 churches were represented by two members per church. They got involved after realising that jiggers are menace in the region where many children are dropping out of school. The participants were educated on among others; causes of jiggers, effects, treatment and preventive measures. They were also taken on home visits to learn how to fumigate as well as approach those affected.

Participants undergoing training (Left) and been shown how to carry out the treatment (Right)

Training on fumigation during the home visit (left) and a child's leg infested with jiggers (Right)

Visit to Tetu, Nyeri-12^th February 2011
(12 year old jigger infested girl impregnated)
A 14 year old jigger-infested girl was rescued after been impregnated by a 51 year old man. When Ahadi visited the family, the girl had been taken away by Nairobi Womens Hospital where she is waiting to deliver. All other family members are heavily infested by jiggers. Ahadi Kenya called on the community members to stop taking advantage on the poverty in the family but instead help them. They called on the government to bring to book the man who committed the act. Ahadi paid for the installation of water in the homestead.

One of the family members jigger infested hands.		Volunteer attending to the family members.

Visit to Nairobi Children`s Home, Kabete-29th January 2011
(A child recovers fully from jigger infestation)
A child who was admitted at Nairobi Children Home has recovered fully from jigger infestation. The 5 year old Christine Nafula was found on the streets of Nairobi with severe jigger infestation. A well wisher called on Ahadi for intervention. The child who was admitted two months ago has been undergoing treatment at the home and she is now able to mix with other children. During the visit, Ahadi Kenya donated food and other items to the home.

Nafula`s feet before treatment (Left) and after treatment (Right)

Ahadi Kenya donating food (left) and admiring Nafula`s recovered feet (Right)

Food distribution in Maragwa, Muranga County-22nd January 2011
(Jigger victims face starvation)

As the drought continues to ravage the country, it has emerged that jigger infested persons and disabled people are unable to access the government food due to inability to walk. The government has been urged to consider putting aside relief food for those suffering from jiggers. The appeal was made by Ahadi Kenya, the anti-jigger campaign organisation, in Nginda location, Maragwa district, Muranga County when distributing food and medication to those affected. Majority of those infested with jiggers cannot be able to move from their homes hence unable to access the relief food. Muranga, like any other region is also hit by the drought. Food worth more than Kshs.100 thousand was distributed to 100 families.

Ahadi Kenya volunteers distributing food to jigger victims

Children infested with jiggers on both their hands and feet

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