Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o has reopened the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH)-Victoria Annex to serve as a Sickle Cell Disease Management Centre.
The newly refurbished state-of-the-art building makes Kisumu the first county in Kenya with such a health facility.
Besides supplementing JOOTRH’s surgical capacity, it will also offer affordable treatment for sickle cell and haematological disorders to address the ever-rising cases in Western Kenya.
Bone Marrow Transplants and a Research Centre are some of its signature marks.
Speaking during the event on Wednesday, May 7th, Nyong’o said the reopening has come at a better time, weeks after JOOTRH was elevated from a Level 5 to a Level 6A national referral health facility.
“Sickle cell disease deeply affects most families physically, emotionally,, and financially,” he said.
He registered his concern that approximately 2 of every 100th children are born with sickle cell disease, and about 21 percent carry the sickle cell trait in Kisumu.
Out of the estimated 14,000 children born annually with the disease, the county boss registered his concern that 50-90 percent succumb before celebrating their 5th birthday in Kenya.
Nyong’o expressed his pleasure that the disease can now be managed at the Victoria Annex.
“Let me say this clearly: sickle cell disease is manageable,” he added.
Two years ago, the Second-Term Governor recalled that they launched a comprehensive strategy to tackle the disease.
This, he emphasized, is intended to offer improved diagnostics, treatment, and hope through close partnership with organizations like the American Society of Haematology, Perkin Elmer, and Novartis.
The refurbished facility, which was first established in 1932 by the British colonialists, will play a vital role in providing healthcare services to healthcare workers in the Lakeside County.
“It will begin by offering services to our doctors, nurses, lab technicians, cleaners – everyone who works hard, day and night to serve others deserves care too.”
JOOTRH CEO, Dr Richard Lesiyampe, noted that the disease is posing great health challenges,, thus affecting many families in Kisumu, and the region at large.
“Its opening allows us to move both our pediatric and adult sickle cell clinics to a more spacious, well-equipped, and welcoming environment,” he said.
Dr Lesiyampee added that his dedicated healthcare workers have shown dedication in serving around 40 children living with the condition every Wednesday.
“Until now, adult services have faced limitations due to space challenges. With this new facility, we can expand and grow care for both groups.”
As a state corporation under the Ministry of Health, Dr Lesiyampee assured of their resolve in providing quality and affordable healthcare services to all.
The event was also graced by the County Executive for Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation, Dr. Gregory Ganda, and Chief of Health, Dr Ojwang Lusi, among other health stakeholders.
