For years, jiggers’ infestation has disrupted learning, undermined children’s confidence and burdened families across Khasoko Ward in Bumula Constituency.

However, dozens of affected learners and residents are now looking to the future with renewed hope after receiving treatment during a community health programme held at Lubunda Comprehensive School.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 1 billion people globally are affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) with 1.4 billion in need of preventive or curative interventions. Their spread is often linked to environmental factors such as poor sanitation, limited access to clean water and exposure to contaminated sources.

Robert Wetoto, the county’s NTD Coordinator, elaborated on the types of NTDs affecting Bungoma residents. These include Bilharzia, intestinal worms, scabies, jiggers, snake bites, leprosy and sleeping sickness.

“Worm infestations are particularly harmful to school-going children. Signs like bloated stomachs, vomiting, loss of appetite and malnourishment should never be ignored,” Wetoto stated.

Speaking during the exercise on Friday, Lubunda Comprehensive School headteacher David Echesa said the infestation has had a significant impact on learners affecting both school attendance and academic performance.

According to the school head, more than 57 pupils at the school have been affected by the condition, with many experiencing pain and discomfort that makes it difficult to attend classes and concentrate on their studies.

“We have learners who frequently miss school because of jiggers, while others struggle to focus in class due to the pain. We are grateful for this intervention because it will help restore their health and allow them to participate fully in learning,” he said.

The headteacher applauded Khasoko MCA Benjamin Otsiula, Support Hands Foundation and the Kenya Red Cross for organizing the treatment exercise describing it as a timely intervention for both the school and the wider community.

Echesa also urged parents to report cases early instead of concealing them and appealed for additional support to address other challenges facing learners, including inadequate sanitary towels for girls in junior school.

The outreach targeted both school going children and residents from surrounding villages many of whom have lived with the effects of jigger infestation for years. Besides causing severe pain, the condition has contributed to poor school attendance, reduced concentration and low self-esteem among affected children.

Khasoko ward MCA Benjamin Otsiula said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve the health and welfare of residents within the ward.

According to Otsiula, jiggers not only affect learners’ education but also interfere with the livelihoods of parents and guardians, many of whom struggle to carry out daily activities when affected.

“When learners are suffering from jiggers, their concentration in class declines and their self-esteem is affected. Some are even unable to walk comfortably to school. This is why we partnered with organizations willing to support our people and improve their quality of life,” he said.

The Ford Kenya MCA also commended Support Hands Foundation and the Kenya Red Cross for partnering with his office and pledged to support follow-up treatment programmes to ensure affected residents recover fully.

Support Hands Foundation Programme Coordinator Pascal Jahu said the organization responded after learning about the extent of jigger infestation within the ward.

He noted that jiggers continue to pose serious health, social and economic challenges, particularly among vulnerable families.

“Many learners are unable to attend school regularly because of the pain, while some parents are unable to work effectively and support their families. That is why such interventions remain important,” Jahu stated.

Khasoko Ward manager Anthony Makanda said local leaders remain committed to reducing jigger infestation through health interventions and community sensitization programmes.

He emphasized the importance of preventive measures, including proper hygiene and ensuring children have access to footwear which can significantly reduce infections.

Community Health Promoter Juma Wanyonyi welcomed the intervention and called for continued public awareness campaigns to equip residents with knowledge on prevention and treatment.

Residents expressed optimism that the exercise would mark the beginning of a sustained campaign to eradicate jiggers, improve school attendance and restore dignity among affected children and families in Khasoko Ward.