Story by Lorraine Anyango and Sherine Atieno Photos by Ondari Ogega A wave of optimism swept through Kisumu’s health sector today as Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale visited Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), pledging a KSh 500 million investment toward the completion of a state-of-the-art regional cancer centre. The promise brings renewed hope to thousands of cancer patients in the Lake Region who currently struggle to access specialized care. Accompanied by Kisumu Governor H.E. Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, CS Duale presided over the commissioning of critical diagnostic equipment—including a 128-slice CT Scan and a mammogram machine—under the...
July 16, 2025July 16, 2025
Restoring Smiles
Story by Sherine Atieno Photos by Ondari Ogega At Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), stories of courage and healing are unfolding during the ongoing Cleft Lip and Palate Medical Camp running from 14th to 17th July 2025. Thanks to the partnership between JOOTRH, Smile Train, and the Kenya Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, patients born with cleft conditions are receiving life-changing surgeries. Just a day after her cleft lip surgery, 19-year-old Lydia Awuor is back in Ward Seven Annex. Her face bears a quiet strength, the physical transformation already evident. Her cleft lip has been...
July 15, 2025July 15, 2025
From Silence to Smile
Story by Sherine Atieno and Photos by Ondari Ogega In ward seven annex at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), 19-year-old Lydia Awuor sits patiently on her hospital bed. She waits to be called into the operating theatre for a procedure that may mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life—a cleft lip surgery. Lydia was born and raised in Migori County. From birth, she had a visible cleft lip, a condition that her parents, like many others in rural communities, did not understand could be treated. With limited access to healthcare information and financial strain,...
July 09, 2025July 9, 2025
Pathology in Africa Elevated
By Lorraine Anyango A quiet revolution is underway in Kisumu County, promising to dramatically enhance patient care across Africa. The focus of this transformation? The strategic development of local site capacity for advanced diagnostic pathology, with Kisumu poised to become a regional hub of excellence in this critical medical field. At the heart of this groundbreaking initiative is an intensive “trainer of trainers” workshop on advanced pathology, currently ongoing in Kisumu. This pivotal program is not just about upskilling; it’s about laying the foundation for a fully ledged regional centre of excellence for pathology, equipped to tackle complex health challenges...
July 04, 2025July 4, 2025
Wrapped in Hope
Story by Sherine Atieno and Photos by Ondari Ogega In a softly lit room at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), a tiny bundle of life rests calmly, wrapped in a white shawl. His name is Shadrack Baraka—a name that means blessing, fitting for a child whose first breaths were drawn not in the warmth of a home, but in a carton box on the side of a busy road. At just two months old, Baraka’s story is already one of survival, rescue, and resilience. Today, he lies in Nursery 2 of JOOTRH’s Newborn Unit, among other fragile babies weighing between...
June 30, 2025June 30, 2025
CLEFT LIP AND PALATE MEDICAL CAMP
Are you or someone you know living with a cleft lip or palate? This is an incredible opportunity to get life-changing medical care! Join us for the CLEFT LIP AND PALATE MEDICAL CAMP from 14th – 17th July 2025 at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital. Look at the amazing “Before & After” transformations on our poster – these procedures can make a huge difference! Important details: Screening is ongoing every Monday to Friday at the Dental Clinic. SHA membership is mandatory. Don’t miss out on this chance for a brighter smile and improved quality of life. For more...
June 30, 2025June 30, 2025
Kisumu Nurses Convene to Elevate Patient Care in Collaborative Symposium
Story by Dennise Akinyi Nurses from across Kisumu County recently gathered for a symposium aimed at bolstering nursing practices and fostering innovation in patient care. Hosted through a collaborative effort between Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) and several key healthcare institutions, including Avenue Hospital, Kisumu County Hospital (KCH), Aga Khan Hospital (AKH), Kisumu Specialist Hospital (KSH), Gertrude Children’s Hospital (GCH), and Tayiba Medical Center (TMC), the event showcased cutting-edge approaches in critical areas of healthcare. A significant portion of the symposium focused on advancements in maternity and neonatal care. JOOTRH’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, led by Faith...
June 27, 2025June 30, 2025
JOOTRH Staff Assured of Secure Transition to National Status
Story by Lorraine Anyango and Sherine Atieno Photos by Ondari Ogega Staff at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) have received firm assurances regarding their job security following the hospital’s recent elevation to a national State Corporation. All personnel employed at JOOTRH as of June 18, 2025—the date of the gazettement—will automatically transition into the new national parastatal framework. These employees will become the pioneer staff of the institution in its new status. During a celebration held to mark this milestone, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Public Service, County Administration, and Public Participation, Mr. Salmon...
June 23, 2025June 23, 2025
JOOTRH Leads the Charge in Kisumu’s Fight Against Sickle Cell
By Lorraine Anyango Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has long been a beacon in the fight against sickle cell disease in the region, spearheading initiatives that have transformed patient care and community support. It was within the walls of JOOTRH that ‘Sickle Cell Zero,’ a groundbreaking initiative uniting diverse stakeholders against the disease, was conceived. The hospital also facilitated the formation of warrior support groups that continue to provide invaluable assistance to patients and their families. In a significant stride forward, JOOTRH recently reopened the Victoria Annex Hospital, now exclusively dedicated to the comprehensive management and...
June 19, 2025June 19, 2025
JOOTRH Minimizes Blood Shortages
Story by Sherine Atieno and Dennise Akinyi Photos by Ondari Ogega Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) is minimizing blood shortages following the successful launch of its in-house blood bank on April 25, 2025. In less than two months, the facility has collected an impressive 449 pints of blood, a milestone in its quest to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of life-saving blood for patients. Despite temporary challenges such as limited personnel, inadequate machines, and resource constraints for storage and preparation, the hospital has demonstrated remarkable progress. Once fully equipped through funding and additional support, the unit...