BAckgrounD
"Jiggers" is caused by the adult female sand flea, tunga penetrans. It burrows into the skin, primarily on feet, lays eggs and causes swelling, itching and infection. It is a very painful condition making walking, sleeping and concentrating difficult. Social stigma and shame are connected to the condition, so those who have jiggers try to hide the problem, making it worse.
In the local community near the farm, many homes have unsealed, earthen floors where the sand flea thrives.
Being affected can be reduced significantly through daily washing with soap, footwear and frequent brushing of earthen floors. Mechnical removal of the flea and its eggs, and use of antiseptic, is the most commonly used method in the local area. Health volunteers are trained how to do this procedyre.
In the local community near the farm, many homes have unsealed, earthen floors where the sand flea thrives.
Being affected can be reduced significantly through daily washing with soap, footwear and frequent brushing of earthen floors. Mechnical removal of the flea and its eggs, and use of antiseptic, is the most commonly used method in the local area. Health volunteers are trained how to do this procedyre.
Goal
To reduce the incidence of jiggers significantly in the local community.
Beneficiaries
All age groups, but primarily children.
HOW
Our farm foreman and the village leader at the Twa village indentify, invite, motivate and accompany those with jiggers to come to the farm for treatment. Health volunteers are invited to treat all who come at a designated time. FRED'S FARM supports the volunteers, provides soap and sandals, and offers some food to those who come forward.
Time Line
2025 12 children and 2 adults treated, all from the surrounding area. Under control in the Twa village.
2024 10 children and 1 adult treated. None from the Twa village, where jiggers is under control.
2023 10 children from the Twa village and surrounding area were treated.
2022 16, both children and adults, from both the Twa village and the local area, were treated. Now less reoccurence in the Twa village.
2021 17, both children and adults, from the Twa village were treated.
2020 No treatment offered due to COVID-19.
2019 10 children from the Twa village were treated.
2018 18 children from the Twa village were treated.
2024 10 children and 1 adult treated. None from the Twa village, where jiggers is under control.
2023 10 children from the Twa village and surrounding area were treated.
2022 16, both children and adults, from both the Twa village and the local area, were treated. Now less reoccurence in the Twa village.
2021 17, both children and adults, from the Twa village were treated.
2020 No treatment offered due to COVID-19.
2019 10 children from the Twa village were treated.
2018 18 children from the Twa village were treated.