Kakamega: A Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology's (MMUST) Professor Maurice Vincent Omolo has developed a bio-rational product, Jigger Gel, which offers a painless alternative for treating jigger infections.
According to Kenya News Agency, this innovative solution is derived from natural sources and aims to eliminate jiggers, parasitic pests, with minimal environmental impact.
Traditionally, jigger treatment involved painful methods like extraction using sterile instruments or antiseptic soakings. Prof. Omolo highlights that these methods often lead to severe pain and emotional distress. The new Jigger Gel, applied after cleaning the affected area, kills the flea without causing pain or irritation, stemming from extensive research under the Upscaling Novel Bio-rational Products for controlling Tungiasis in Eastern Africa Project, supported by BioInnovate Africa.
The research, funded by the National Research Fund (NRF) with Sh18 million, is based at the Centre for African Medicinal and Nutritional Flora and Fauna (CAMNFF) within the MMUST Science, Innovation, and Incubation Centre. The Jigger Gel is currently undergoing field trials in western Kenya before public rollout. Prof. Omolo collaborated with the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) in his research efforts.
Prof. Omolo notes that jiggers are a significant problem in regions like Western Kenya, Siaya, Kwale, and even extend to several African countries and Latin America. Traditional cleaning agents like potassium permanganate and hydrogen peroxide are harsh and painful, potentially delaying healing. His research focused on identifying natural compounds from western Kenya flora to manage Tunga penetrans, resulting in the patented Jigger Gel, registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization and Kenya Industrial Property Institute.
With support from BioInnovate Africa and NRF, the gel has been refined into three prototypes. Testing on rabbits and guinea pigs has confirmed its safety at the animal level. KALRO assists in controlling fleas on domestic animals, which can also fall victim to jiggers.
Upon completion of field trials and approval for public use, mass production of the Jigger Gel will commence, creating local employment opportunities. Plans include setting up a micro-plant at the MMUST Science Park for processing the gel, with further production scaling to the Small and Medium Enterprises level. The A-to-Z Group of Companies from Arusha, Tanzania, supports production, partnering with experts like Prof. Richard Echodu from Gulu University and Dr. Paul Mireji from KALRO.
The Jigger Gel follows the recent launch of a jigger lotion in August 2024 by Saraya Kenya in partnership with Nagasaki University Japan, Ahadi Kenya Trust, and the Ministry of Health. Pius Masai, CEO of the Safety Professionals and Experts in Disaster Management Volunteers Association of Kenya, urges the establishment of jigger treatment clinics in heavily infested areas to support eradication efforts, noting the rapid multiplication and spread of jiggers in these regions.