A new treatment for jigger infestation is giving hope to victims who have suffered years of pain, stigma and social isolation especially in western region.

Professor Maurice Vincent Omolo the lead researcher at MMUST who is behind the innovation says he was motivated to research following the severe pain patients experience when undergoing treatment using potassium permanganate and hydrogen peroxide.

Omolo says the new topical treatment can also be used on sensitive parts of the body including reproductive areas that are difficult to treat using existing methods.

According to the researcher, patients with severe infestations have experienced significant relief within a week, following one topical application and three follow-up treatments with
some victims who had been unable to work or participate in daily activities have since returned to their communities and resumed their livelihoods.

Dr Philip Amuyunzu in charge of outreach says jigger infestation has greatly affected children education with some missing school because of pain, stigma and difficulty concentrating in class.

He says the condition also reduces productivity, particularly in agricultural communities, when the parasites attack the feet, fingers and other parts of the body.

Most of the victims have also called for an end to the belief that jiggers are caused by witchcraft, saying the myth has led to isolation and suffering in the community.

They say the new treatment has given them hope after years of trying different medications and traditional remedies with the researcher urging victims to seek medical help, saying jigger infestation is a treatable condition and should not be associated with shame or witchcraft.