Story by Philister Adhiambo and Photos by Ian Obadha “Every cancer survivor is a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit and proof that treatment works.” These words from Dr. Gabriel Ouma, a gynecologic oncologist at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), set the tone for a moving National Cancer Survivors Day...
Story by Lorraine Faith and Photos by Ian Obadha Four years after being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer while pregnant, Esther Achieng Odhiambo is cancer-free and enjoying the simple moments she once feared she might never experience—watching her child grow, laugh and thrive. Today, the 34-year-old mother from Kodiaga Prison, Kisumu County, looks back...
Story by Lynne Ayuma and Esther Adhiambo and Photos by Lorraine Faith “No more drugs.” Those were the words that brought tears of relief and gratitude to Laura Akinyi after months of battling Stage Three colon cancer. For the 28-year-old from Kisumu, the announcement that she was cancer-free marked the end of a painful chapter...
Story by Philister Adhiambo, Mercy Chloe and Caroline Nyongesa “When I am preaching or speaking to my people, my mind is always on the pain.” For three years, Denis Oduor Ogada lived with a condition that affected far more than his physical health. The retired teacher and church leader from Nyahera, Kisumu County, battled hemorrhoids...
Story by Marire Emmanuel and Otieno Desantos and Photos by Ondari Ogega The advice came naturally to Beatrice Opondo. As a Community Health Promoter (CHP) in Vihiga County, she spent years guiding families to seek medical attention whenever illness struck. She helped communities recognize danger signs, linked patients to health facilities, and reinforced the importance...
Story by Esther Adhiambo and Lynne Ayuma and Photos by Lorraine Faith For nearly two years, 46-year-old Emily Akinyi Okech from Bondo lived with a condition that affected not only her health but also her peace of mind. Persistent bleeding during bowel movements, recurrent diarrhoea, and the presence of pus left her searching for answers...
Story by Faith Okech and Esther Akinyi “I would feel dizzy and sometimes notice blood on the tissue after visiting the toilet. There was also a protrusion from the rectal area that would come out and become bigger, and I often had to push it back inside.”` For years, these symptoms were a source of...
Story by Sherine Atieno and Photos by Ondari Ogega Upcoming scientific commentary highlights hidden factors driving recurrent Ebola outbreaks and the need for stronger healthcare preparedness As countries continue strengthening preparedness against emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, a microbiologist at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is calling for greater vigilance among healthcare...
Story by Stacy Owino and Photos by Ian Obadha “After treatment, he can now stand and walk well.” The words are simple, but for Joy Munagi, a resident of Nyalenda in Kisumu, they represent months of perseverance, sleepless nights, and unwavering hope. Today, as the world marks World Clubfoot Day, Ms. Munagi looks at her...
Story by Elizabeth Achieng and Melisha Mbai and Photos by Ian Obadha A successful colorectal surgery has given 54-year-old Tom Ooko, a resident of Mamboleo in Kisumu County, a renewed sense of hope and a chance to reclaim his life after nearly two years of pain and discomfort. The procedure, performed during the ongoing colorectal...
