Healing from the Ground Up: Combating Jiggers and Poverty with Sole Hope
In sub-Saharan Africa, around 20 million children walk barefoot, braving temperatures up to 100 degrees. Without shoes, everyday journeys to school, home, or work become painful and dangerous. This is the harsh reality faced by many children and adults across the region.
Take Uganda, for example. Many families there struggle to afford both food and shoes. A mother might have enough to feed her children for the evening but not enough to protect their feet from the searing heat and rough terrain. Children in Uganda are exposed to sharp objects, harmful bacteria, and infectious diseases due to the lack of basic necessities like shoes.
Walking barefoot doesn't just cause discomfort; it exposes individuals to numerous hazards. Sharp objects, harmful bacteria, and infections from contaminated soil and stagnant water pose serious threats. Intestinal worms like hookworms can easily enter the skin, leading to chronic illness, amputations, and even death if untreated.
One particularly painful and debilitating issue is jigger infestations. Jiggers, or sand fleas, burrow into the skin of the feet, causing painful sores and infections. Without treatment, these infestations can lead to severe inflammation, ulceration, and debilitating pain. In extreme cases, the infections can cause permanent damage or require amputation. Jiggers also bring social stigmatization and exclusion, further isolating those affected from their communities.
Poor sanitation and high poverty levels make these issues worse in Africa. Despite being overlooked, shoes are crucial for daily life. Many in Africa face the heart-wrenching choice between buying food or buying shoes. With over 48% of people in sub-Saharan Africa living in poverty, millions of children are at risk of diseases and injuries that could be prevented with proper footwear.
At Sole Hope, we recognize the profound difference a pair of shoes can make. Our mission is to equip the vulnerable with durable, protective footwear, alongside education and medical relief, ensuring they can walk freely, safe from life-threatening diseases and exploitation. By supporting our cause, you help create a future where no child has to choose between food and the basic protection of shoes.
