Story by Sherine Atieno, photos by ogega Ondari .                                                            Maternal and Child Health (MCH) department at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) received a significant boost after acquiring 1,000 doses of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine through the Kenya Expanded Programme on Immunization (KEPI). The vaccine protects infants from tuberculosis, a life-threatening disease.
The BCG vaccine is typically given at birth and can be administered to children up to one year old. Its primary function is to enhance the immune system, shielding young ones from exposure to tuberculosis. Thirty-five doses have already been successfully administered to babies today.
JOOTRH is urging parents whose children have not received their BCG immunization to visit the MCH department, which is currently relocated to the “Toto’s Corner” building, situated between the Gender-Based Violence Recovery Centre (GBVRC) and the Patient Support Centre (PSC). Vaccinations are provided free of charge enhancing accessibility to all families.
JOOTRH’s MCH department continues to offer all KEPI-recommended vaccines at no cost, including Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, which protect against cervical cancer. These efforts are part of the hospital’s commitment to improving child health and combating preventable diseases.
While BCG and HPV vaccines are available, JOOTRH has reassured parents that new stock of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is expected to arrive by mid-February. The OPV is essential in preventing poliomyelitis, a debilitating disease that primarily affects children under five years old.
Parents are encouraged to take advantage of the free immunization services and protect their children’s health by visiting the MCH department at their earliest convenience. By ensuring timely vaccination, families can contribute to building a healthier and more resilient community.
For enquiries or assistance, parents can visit the MCH department at JOOTRH or contact the hospital's customer service desk.
