Health stakeholders in Vihiga County on Friday gathered at Induru Primary School in Hamisi Sub-County to commemorate World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day, with renewed calls for heightened awareness and prevention of tropical diseases affecting vulnerable communities.
The event focused mainly on raising awareness on jigger infestation and bilharzia, diseases that health officials say are on the rise in parts of the county.
Induru Comprehensive School Principal, John Semi Boge, commended health stakeholders for recognizing the day, saying the initiative would help residents gain crucial information on prevention and management of neglected tropical diseases.
Boge expressed concern that jiggers remain a major challenge in the area, largely affecting families living in poor housing conditions, particularly mud-walled houses that create a conducive environment for jigger attacks.
“Jiggers have affected many learners in my school and neighbouring schools, especially those from humble backgrounds living in mud houses, which increases the chances of infestation,” said Boge.
He noted that the rising cases of jigger infestation have contributed to increased absenteeism and school dropouts, as affected learners often miss classes due to discomfort and stigma.
According to Boge, students infested with jiggers struggle to concentrate in class, resulting in poor academic performance and low self-esteem.
He urged parents, guardians and learners to prioritise personal and environmental hygiene to prevent and reduce jigger infestation, which he said negatively impacts education outcomes and community development.
Fanuel Khainga from the Patient Referral Unit said common neglected tropical diseases in Vihiga County include intestinal worms, snake bites, jiggers, rabies and bilharzia.
Khainga reported that Hamisi, Vihiga and Luanda sub-counties record the highest cases of snake bites, while Emuhaya, Sabatia, Luanda and Vihiga sub-counties lead in jigger infestation.
Khainga further noted that ongoing health initiatives in the county include cervical cancer screening and the training of community health promoters in Hamisi Sub-County to strengthen disease prevention and early treatment.
Stakeholders called for sustained community education, improved housing conditions and strengthened public health interventions to address neglected tropical diseases in the county.
By Florence Oteng’o and Maureen Imbayi
