Inside Room 16...

Story and Photos by Ian Obadha Tucked away within the busy corridors of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), Room 16 may appear modest, but its impact is huge. It is a frontline defense in the fight against cervical cancer. Its a place where early detection is not just a medical procedure, but a lifeline for hundreds of women across the region. Weekly Room 16 receives an average of 50 patients. As a premier referral facility, JOOTRH’s primary mission here is secondary prevention, identifying and managing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections the primary cause of cervical cancer at the precancerous stage before they can progress into invasive disease. According to Dr. Jackton Omoto, a Gyn-oncologist at the unit, the secret to beating the disease lies in timing. "Most cervical cancer cases are preventable if detected early," Dr. Omoto explains. "Our goal in Room 16 is to intercept the virus at the precancerous stage. When women come in early, we can treat them effectively and save lives." The clinic has streamlined its operations to ensure no woman is left behind. Clinics are held every Tuesday and Thursday, while Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are dedicated to patient bookings. This structured schedule reduces congestion and ensures healthcare providers can offer personalized attention to every visitor. Dr. Karen Otado, a Registrar in the unit, emphasizes the "one-stop-shop" nature of the room. "We provide screening using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), Pap smear tests, and biopsies for histological analysis," she says. "What makes Room 16 special is that we don’t just diagnose; we offer immediate treatment where indicated." For those diagnosed with precancerous lesions, Room 16 offers advanced, minimally invasive treatments: Thermal Ablation: Using a heated probe (at approximately 180°C) to safely destroy abnormal cells. LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure), using a thin, heated wire loop to remove precancerous tissue, significantly lowering the risk of cancer development. These interventions align strictly with Ministry of Health guidelines, which recommend HPV screening every five years for HIV-negative women and every three years for women living with HIV. Beyond the clinical procedures, Room 16 is a place of emotional restoration. For Nurse Ashley Otieno, the transformation of her patients is the most fulfilling part of the job. "Many women walk in scared, but they leave empowered," says Nurse Otieno. "We counsel them, explain every procedure, and reassure them that cervical cancer is preventable. Seeing women return for follow-ups healthy is the most rewarding part of my work." As the world marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month this January, the team at Room 16 is urging women to take charge of their health. Cervical cancer does not have to be a death sentence; with early screening, it is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Visit Room 16 at JOOTRH this month for your screening and join the movement toward a cancer-free future.

Inside Room 16...

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