Odilo Care Sparks Hope:War on Jiggers
By Emmanuel Jumaah
Across the villages of Busia County, a once-overlooked health crisis is slowly loosening its grip. Cases of jigger infestations—locally known as *funza*—are now on the decline, signalling a shift that communities and health advocates have long hoped for.
At the centre of this progress is the *“Anti Jiggers ”* campaign, an initiative led by the Odilo Care Foundation. With a focus on prevention, dignity, and long-term impact, the program is reaching deep into vulnerable communities where children have borne the brunt of the infestation.
In partnership with the community-based organization Dhamira Moja, the foundation has taken its intervention directly to schools. At Segero and Nambale Urban primary schools, over 2,000 pupils have received school shoes—an essential barrier against jigger infestation. For many of these learners, going barefoot has not only exposed them to painful infections but also disrupted their education, with some missing school due to discomfort and stigma.
The campaign’s coordinators, Murunga Emmanuel and Joy Shammah, emphasize that their mission goes beyond immediate relief. They aim to break the cycle of infection by improving hygiene awareness, supporting vulnerable families, and ensuring that children can learn in safe and dignified conditions. According to them, economic hardship has left many households unable to afford basic necessities, making children particularly susceptible.
"Since Odilo Care started this Anti-Jiggers campaign, we’ve gone around many areas, and looking at our statistics and data at the office, cases of such infections have reduced drastically. Often, you find these children come to school without shoes, and when they go to relieve themselves, it becomes difficult—they go barefooted, which causes diseases."
But the campaign’s reach does not stop at jiggers. In response to rising concerns over Ebola cases in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, Odilo Care—alongside Dhamira Moja—has incorporated public health education into its outreach. Community members are being sensitized on Ebola symptoms, transmission, and prevention in a proactive effort to safeguard Busia residents from a potential cross-border outbreak.
"We have decided to provide guidance and sensitization to the community, that your safety starts with you, and good health also starts with you yourself. So we emphasize that teachers, parents, students—everyone should take care of themselves and be cautious. When they go about their duties, they should ensure their hands are clean and take precautions to ensure we do not have the disaster of Ebola."~ Sarah Martha, Director Dhamira Moja.
For the beneficiaries, the impact is both practical and deeply personal. Pupils now walk to school with confidence, while parents express relief knowing their children are better protected. The simple act of wearing shoes has become a symbol of restored dignity and renewed opportunity.
"We want to thank Odilo Care and Dhamira Moja for making this program a success. Our children have been struggling with the lack of shoes, but through this initiative, they will now be able to smile and go to school. Cases of jiggers will reduce. We encourage other organizations to come forward and help" ~ Locals
As these efforts gain momentum, Busia’s fight against jiggers is evolving into a broader story of resilience—where community action, partnerships, and small but meaningful interventions are paving the way for lasting change.
