Ahadi and a Japanese firm develops an anti-jigger lotion

The Mountain Journal

After 17 years of research, anti jigger lotion has been formulated by a Japanese company and Ahadi Trust Kenya to support jigger eradication initiatives.

Saraya anti-jigger lotion is the first of its kind in the world after it was developed through research by Nagasaki University in Japan.

The launch of the lotion in Murang’a was celebrated as a milestone by the Ahadi Trust Executive Director Dr. Stanley Kamau after his activities in the early stages were ridiculed by administrators and politicians who were in denial of the jigger infestation menace in the rural setup.

Launching the lotion, at Stanley Haven Hotel in Murang’a, Mrs Tessie Musalia lauded the initiative by Dr Kamau to support the less fortunate in the community through jigger eradication, an initiative that supported many families.

“There is a need for more innovations to help find solutions to myriad challenges facing the vulnerable families. Ministry of Health should include the lotion in the Community Health Volunteers (CHV) kits as they respond to the medical needs in the villages,” said Mrs Musalia.

In Kenya close to 1.4 million people are victims of jigger infestation who will be greatly helped by the lotion which will be distributed to them through the county governments’ networks for application.

Saraya Anti Jigger Loition promoter Mr. Hojo Takea said the lotion can suffocate the jiggers if applied for two weeks.

“ The product is friendly and has been tested in the tropics and produced the best results,” said Hojo.

Kamau recounted the tribulations he endured in the journey to the rescue of jigger victims from politicians and administrators who lived in denial over the infestation menace in their backyards.

“ Joined by partners involved in educating communities on jigger infestation, were ejected from meetings but devised ways to reach the victims. The media played a crucial role in highlighting the plight of the communities faced with threats of infestations,” said Kamau

“Despite the threats, and intimidations Ministry of Health came into partnership and we launched the Jigger Policy,” said Kamau.

Health Principal Secretary Ms Mary Muthoni said the magnitude of jigger infestation requires support, thus a need for close cooperation among the stakeholders to help actively deal with the menace.

Jigger infestation, she said was a threat to many parts of the country including Central, Western, and Coastal regions, which can be dealt with through the use of the CHVs.

“ The CHV should be equipped to handle the jigger infestation by providing the data in their respective counties,” said the PS. Japanese Ambassador to Kenya Mr Okaniwa Ken said cooperation between Kenya and Japan has lasted for decades and has promoted health care.

The anti-jiggers lotion, he said has been developed through the assistance of Nagasaki University by the Saraya Operations Company after a lengthy trial.

“ Japan has partnered with Kenya to support health and research programmes. Kemri laboratories received a grant of Sh3 billion from the Japanese government to assist in the investigation of diseases,” said the envoy.