A schoolgirl sits with her schoolmates and sucks a lollipop to soothe her as jiggers are removed from her foot in Kalebera village, Jinja district, eastern Uganda August 6, 2015. The problem of jigger parasites, female sand fleas that burrow their way under skin, is widespread in the eastern, northern and northeastern parts of Uganda. Left untreated, the parasite can lead to secondary infections that can be fatal. NGO Sole Hope works with local and international volunteers to treat sufferers, removing the parasites either with safety pins or razor blades. Encouraging people to cover their feet is part of the battle against the parasite; treatment includes a free pair of shoes as very few of those affected are able to afford even sandals. REUTERS/James Akena PICTURE 9 OF 22 FOR WIDER IMAGE STORY "FIGHTING THE JIGGER PARASITE". SEARCH "JIGGER AKENA" FOR ALL IMAGES