NEWS & UPDATES
NMS TREATS JIGGER AFFECTED COMMUNITY IN RUBANDA DISTRICT
Date: 26/10/2018
By James Odong
Jiggers continue to be reported as a major public health problem in Uganda, particularly in Rubanda District. They have become a community horror increasing poverty and social exclusion of the affected people and sometimes leading to death.
Jigger infestation is one of the neglected public health problems in Rubanda District affecting the Batwa communities of Bufundi Sub County.
“Jiggers are a leading cause of disability, morbidity and sometimes mortality, particularly in the elderly, women and school age children among the Batwa community here. There is hence an urgent need to step up efforts by all stakeholders and fight this scourge”, said Rubanda District Medical Officer (DHO), Dr Abdon Birungi.
National Medical Stores (NMS) Entebbe, a government parastatal responsible for procuring, storing and distributing medicine and medical supplies working with Rubanda District Local Government have stepped up its efforts towards the eradication of jiggers in the area.