International Research Journal of Public and Environmental Health
Contemporary approaches to jigger flea control in the pastoralist environment of the Maasai Community in Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Hadija Hamisi Semvua*1,2, Martha Oshosen2, Mercy Laizer3, Ahaz Kulanga1, Allen Lyimo2 and Agnes Cyril Msoka1,2.
1Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College (KCMUCo), Moshi, Tanzania.
2Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute (KCRI), Moshi, Tanzania.
3Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania.
*Corresponding Author Email: h.semvua(at)kcri.ac.tz
Tel +255 255 272 754 201
Hadija Hamisi Semvua |
Martha Oshosen |
Mercy Laizer |
Ahaz Kulanga |
Allen Lyimo |
Agnes Cyril Msoka |
In this qualitative study, we delve into the crucial issue of controlling jigger fleas within the pastoralist environments of the Maasai community in Tanzania. Jigger fleas pose a significant health threat to the Maasai people and their livestock, and understanding the control methods employed is vital for effective intervention. Through in-depth research and community engagement, we aimed to shed light on the controlling strategies and challenges in mitigating the persistent jigger infestations. A total of 62 participants were involved in the qualitative study conducted in the first phase. This phase consisted of 20 in-depth interviews (IDIs) and four focus group discussions (FGDs), each involving eight participants. Participants were selected from 10 villages in the Naepo ward and 10 villages in the Nasinyai ward. The study focused on the most effective interventions for eradicating flea infestations caused by jiggers in the dung-built huts of the Maasai environments. Purposive and convenience sampling methods were employed to recruit family members for participation in IDI and FGD. Findings were analyzed using a thematic process to identify sub-themes and themes. Themes derived from the findings encompass different aspects of the jigger infestation problem, including neglected cattle care, hygiene solutions, jigger transmission from livestock, tackling the jigger worm, and controlling fleas through animal husbandry. The research has highlighted the profound impact of jigger infestations on livestock and human communities, emphasizing the urgency of improving neglected cattle care practices. Addressing these issues through hygiene solutions, understanding livestock-based jigger transmission, and effective jigger worm management are crucial steps toward alleviating widespread suffering and fostering positive change in affected pastoralist environments.
Keywords: Control, jigger fleas, pastoralist, environment
Semvua HH, Oshosen M, Laizer M, Kulanga A, Lyimo A Msoka AC (2024). Contemporary approaches to jigger flea control in the pastoralist environment of the Maasai Community in Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania.Int. Res. J. Pub. Environ. Health 11 (2):44-52.https://doi.org/10.15739/irjpeh.24.006
© 2024 The authors.
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