Tungiasis (Jigger) Treatment Support Activity in Vihiga County, Kenya
SARAYA Kenya carried out its second support activity for people affected by tungiasis (commonly known as jigger infestation) in Emuhaya Sub-county, Vihiga County, western Kenya. This initiative was implemented as part of a program led by the Waka Waka Foundation—an NGO founded by students of Soka University—in collaboration with local community organizations.
SARAYA Kenya has been involved with the Waka Waka Foundation since its early stages and joined this activity as a technical partner, providing treatment methods and supplying jigger treatment products. Working side by side with local partners ensured the approach was practical, culturally appropriate, and grounded in day-to-day community realities.
On the Ground
The activity ran for eight days, including four dedicated treatment days. During this period,more than 200 patients received care. Treatment was provided using Saraya’s jigger lotion, and shoes were distributed to help reduce the risk of reinfection.
Our team also encountered patients with severe symptoms who were unable to walk and needed transport by car. Seeing these cases up close reinforced how deeply tungiasis can affect mobility, school attendance, and the ability to work—often turning simple daily routines into painful challenges.
Beyond treatment, we emphasized prevention. Because tungiasis can affect not only the feet but also, especially in children, the skin around fingernails, hygiene education is essential. Alongside medical care, we provided practical handwashing guidance and reinforced everyday hygiene practices that can reduce the risk of infection.
Impact, Reflections, and the Road Ahead
Our staff at the site observed a noticeable emotional shift over the course of the sessions. Many patients appeared anxious and withdrawn at the start. After treatment, they gradually relaxed, and smiles began to return. The lotion-based treatment was also seen to cause less pain than traditional methods, which can help reduce fear and make people more willing to seek care.
Children were a central focus of the activity. A drawing session invited children to illustrate what they hoped to do once healed. Many drew simple aspirations—playing with friends, walking comfortably, going to school—reminding us that while tungiasis is not usually life-threatening, it can severely limit quality of life and children’s everyday experiences.
Feedback from local partner organizations was strongly positive. The jigger lotion was described as effective and less burdensome for patients compared to conventional approaches. The activity also received local media coverage, reflecting increasing interest in practical solutions to persistent health challenges.
At the same time, the need remains significant. Many community members expressed a desire to take treatment products home, highlighting the importance of consistent access to care. Looking ahead, a key priority will be moving beyond one-time interventions toward a sustainable support system, including pathways for procurement and wider adoption in coordination with county and national authorities.
SARAYA Kenya will continue working with local partners to combine treatment with prevention and contribute to long-term, community-based solutions that help people regain comfort, dignity, and confidence in daily life.
A Memorable Moment as Observed by Olive, Saraya Kenya StaffA young girl, who had developed a strong fear due to past treatments involving sharp instruments, began to cry during the procedure. However, as the nurse gently reassured her repeatedly that this time no scalpels or needles would be used and that the treatment would be painless, she gradually began to calm down. Witnessing her expression change from fear to relief was deeply moving. This experience strongly reinforced that Saraya’s Jigger Lotion is not just a treatment method, but one that provides patients with a sense of safety and dignity. Especially for those who have previously undergone painful procedures, having a ‘pain-free option’ carries profound significance. |