By Beril Alaka
Today Jaramogo Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital hosted STAFFDEL visit.
The visiting team included US Congressional Staffers, as well as staff from hhsgov, CDC, University of Maryland, Baltimore Kenya, and Cihed Kenya.
The visiting delegation was taken through a brief history of the hospital, Covid 19 screening and vaccination at the hospital, as well as the Operation Triple Zero programming for adolescents and young people in Kisumu.
During the visit, there were conversations on the Covid 19 pandemic and how people with underlying conditions were more affected and were at a greater risk of contracting. HIV/Aids patients were among those who faced higher risk.
The guest was informed that Kisumu county has a population of 675000 people above 18 years old eligible for Covid 19 vaccination. Of these Approximately 400000 60% have been partially vaccinated and 48% have been fully vaccinated.
The vaccination rate of people living with HIV/Aids was 84%. , this was realized through an initiative called ‘Me to you which also ensures sure zero miss of appointments for those scheduled for clinics.
The facility has also reached out to teachers in schools to help them keep track of the adolescent clients who are enrolled in the program.
With the aid from CDC, the Comprehensive Care Clinic in JOOTRH was established in the year 2003 February, with an enrollment of 28,933 clients, This made tracing Covid 19 cases with people living with the virus was made easier. 6931 are currently still accessing HIV services in the facility which also addresses family planning issues, cervical and prostate cancer screening, and non-communicable diseases with the support of the CDC.
The guest also informed that JOOTRH strictly ensured Covid 19 protocols were observed and are presently continuing with vaccination.
Being a big beneficiary of the CDC, JOOTRH was the first hospital to start vaccination exercise in Kisumu county after the county launched vaccination on 9th March, three days after it was the national rollout.
CDC which has played the role of charity for over 40years in our country has indeed touched lives and saved souls leaving a big mark that will last a lifetime. Through their donations of Covid 19 respective equipment and always extending their hand to HIV/AIDS campaigns as well facilitation.
The donors not only donated PPEs, funds, and other equipment used during this season, but they also trained personnel who came in handy in care giving and an Integration Covid-19 site was also opened on 10th January 2022.
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