Raising awareness about the importance of hygiene is one of the major goals of Open Voice. According to research, jiggers thrive most in dirty environments and can have a negative effect on the victim. Last week, our team visited Remera Martyrs School to find out from students if they know jiggers, what causes them and how to avoid them. Rice Uwamahoro Ahmad Nyamwasa Rice Uwamahoro I’m told jiggers love a dirty environment. Luckily for us, our school is one of the cleanest I’ve seen so I have no fear of being attacked by jiggers. On my part, I bathe everyday and wash my clothes regularly. I also don’t walk barefooted so I think I’m safe. Ahmad Nyamwasa The only way to avoid jiggers is by maintaining proper body hygiene and ensuring that your surroundings are also clean. For instance the floor must be swept and mopped everyday and school uniforms washed often. Aimee Usanase Alistide Musabe Aimee Usanase Jiggers are a rare phenomenon. I even do not know what they look like but I’ve heard about them before. I’m not even sure what causes them and how to tell that jiggers have attacked me. I guess if I sensed anything funny in my toes I would immediately rush to the doctor. Alistide Musabe I know jiggers are a result of a filthy environment. Fortunately, I don’t expect to get jiggers from my school because it is very clean. Besides, when you join secondary school you are mature enough to appreciate the importance of bathing and washing clothes everyday. Brian Ntwari Celestine Ruhinda Brian Ntwari I have seen jiggers before, they are white in colour and thrive in a dirty environment. However, that cannot stop me from visiting such places if they are interesting. Ofcourse I always try to maintain good body hygiene but that’s the best I can do. Celestine Ruhinda Jigger infestation is caused by uncleanliness. For example wearing unwashed clothes and failure to shower can be a good reason for jiggers to ‘visit’. They are usually common in homesteads with livestock. The solution lies in thorough cleaning of the environment. If you have a comment or want the Education Times Open Voice team to visit your school, please send an email to education@newtimes.co.rw
