Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kisumu/Kakamega Road (2025)

15/11/2025

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), in partnership with Avenue Healthcare, held a vibrant Diabetes Walk and Wellness Festival at Impala Park, Kisumu. The event brought together hundreds of residents for a day dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes, promoting healthy living, and offering free health services to the community.

Participants took part in three walking categories designed to accommodate all fitness levels. The 10-kilometre route started from Tom Mboya, stretched to Dunga and wound back to Impala Park. The 5-kilometre group also walked from Impala Park to Dunga and back, while the 3-kilometre category began right at the Impala Park gate and looped inside the park. These walks served not only as physical activity but also as a symbolic show of solidarity in the fight against diabetes.

The festival offered a wide range of wellness activities, including aerobics and Zumba sessions, team-building exercises and a “Cook for Health” nutrition demonstration that highlighted the benefits of healthy eating in diabetes prevention and management. A key highlight of the day was the provision of free screening services, where participants were tested and educated on diabetes risk factors, symptoms and the importance of early detection.

Diabetes continues to be a major public health concern in Kenya. Thousands of adults live with the condition, and many remain unaware of their status until complications arise. The most common types include Type 1 diabetes, which is linked to insulin deficiency, and Type 2 diabetes, which is more prevalent and associated with lifestyle factors such as diet, weight, and physical activity. Symptoms may include frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue, weight loss, slow-healing wounds, and blurred vision. Without timely management, diabetes can lead to serious complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.

At JOOTRH, diabetes clinics are held every Wednesday and Friday at the consultant’s clinic, where patients receive follow-up care, testing, medication reviews, and guidance on lifestyle modification.

The festival also saw the involvement of county leadership through the Department of Public Health and Sanitation, led by Director Frederick Oluoch, reinforcing the county’s commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.

14/11/2025

Congratulations, Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise!
To our esteemed Ag CEO, Dr. Joshua Clinton Okise,

The entire JOOTRH family extends its most heartfelt and enthusiastic congratulations on your monumental achievement: graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Finance from Maseno University!

This is a tremendous personal and professional milestone that speaks volumes about your dedication, perseverance, and intellectual commitment. Juggling the demanding responsibilities of leading this institution while undertaking rigorous academic research is a testament to your exceptional capability and strength of character.

We are incredibly proud to have a leader who is not only administratively astute but also committed to advancing knowledge and contributing to the academic community.

Your success is a source of inspiration for all of us at JOOTRH. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact your advanced expertise will have as you continue to steer our institution forward.

Congratulations once again, Dr. Okise!

From,

The JOOTRH Family

14/11/2025

At Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), the rising burden of diabetes is becoming more visible as young adults continue to seek emergency care for conditions they never imagined could be linked to their sugar levels.
Among them is Praxidis Owuor (not her real name), a 31-year-old mother of two from Manyatta, Kisumu. Three nights ago, she suddenly found herself gasping for breath, drinking water endlessly, and rushing to the toilet after every sip. By dawn, dizziness and a pounding headache left her fearing malaria or typhoid. She took over-the-counter medication, but when her condition worsened, she rushed to a Sub-County Hospital, unaware that her life was about to change.
Tests revealed her blood sugar was extremely high. “I panicked. I never thought diabetes could show up like that. I must have been living with it unknowingly,” she recalls. She was referred for advanced care, and that same night, too weak to walk and unable to sit upright—she was wheeled into an ambulance and brought to JOOTRH. Her sugars fluctuated between 32, 28 and 19 mmol/L, and nurses have continued to stabilize her levels.
Her biggest worry is her five-year-old and seven-month-old baby at home. “I just want the sugars to go back to normal so I can go home to my children,” she says softly. A week earlier, she had noticed warning signs like excessive thirst, frequent urination, constipation and digestive discomfort, but she brushed them aside.
In the adjacent ward, is Erick Musala (not his real name), 39, from Mamboleo, whose diabetes journey began in 2023 while working in Kitale. Tests confirmed type 2 diabetes. Since then he has survived multiple crises, including a long admission at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Last month, another spike landed him after receiving treatment at a private hospital for two weeks and led to cataract formation. When he sought cataract removal at JOOTRH, clinicians had to postpone the procedure until his sugars could be stabilized. “Yesterday it was 17. Today it’s down to 3. It’s a daily battle,” he says. Before diagnosis he experienced heavy legs, excessive sweating, stomach bloating after sugary foods and unusual reactions after eating processed meals. At first he was even tested for cancer and HIV/AIDS before diabetes was finally confirmed. “Every time the sugars rise, I rush to the hospital. He shares.
The clinic at JOOTRH, which runs every Wednesday and Friday, receives an average of 3 new patients and about 10 revisits weekly.
As she gains strength, Praxidis is relieved she can now see more clearly and sit up on her own, something she couldn’t do when she arrived. For Erick, each stabilized reading brings him closer to undergoing the cataract procedure that will restore his vision.
Their stories serve as a wake-up call to the community: symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, persistent fatigue, dizziness and unexplained digestive changes should never be ignored. With early screening and timely treatment, diabetes can be managed before it becomes a silent emergency

14/11/2025

Asante sana .

14/11/2025

World Diabetes Day is observed every year on November 14 to raise awareness about diabetes, its prevention, and effective management. The theme for this year is “Diabetes and Well-being,” focusing on supporting people living with diabetes at every stage of life and in all environments, including the workplace.
This day reminds communities, governments, and health organizations of the importance of early detection, healthy lifestyles, and accessible medical care. It also encourages individuals to take charge of their health through balanced diets, regular exercise, and blood sugar monitoring. By spreading awareness, World Diabetes Day aims to reduce the global impact of diabetes and improve the well-being of millions affected worldwide.

13/11/2025

Don't Miss Out! Neuro Camp is Almost Here!
Do you or a loved one suffer from a condition affecting the Brain or Spine? This is your chance to benefit from specialized surgical expertise right here at the upcoming Neuro Camp!

The life-changing camp runs from November 24th to December 3rd.

Key Questions for You:
Have you been screened for the upcoming Neuro Camp?

Are you registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA)? Registration on SHA is a prerequisite for benefiting from the surgical services.

This camp offers an incredible opportunity for Surgeries to the Brain and Spine, giving patients a pathway to recovery and a better quality of life.

Time is running out to secure your spot!

📞 CALL THE NUMBERS ON THE POSTER TODAY and come for screening while there is still an opportunity to benefit you.

Don't suffer in silence—take action now and seize this opportunity for specialized care!

13/11/2025

Urgent Call to Action: Be a Lifesaver for the Neuro Camp!
The Neuro Camp is starting soon, running from November 24th to December 3rd, and we need YOUR help to make it a success and save lives!

Many patients scheduled to benefit from crucial neurological procedures during the camp urgently require blood transfusions. Their hope for a healthier future rests on the generosity of people like you.

We are appealing to all and sundry to join hands in making a difference!
When: Every day.

Where: JOOTRH Blood Transfusion Center

What: Donate Blood!

Every single unit of blood counts. By donating, you are directly contributing to the safety and success of life-changing operations for children and adults.

Why is your donation crucial?
Saving Lives: Your blood donation ensures a sufficient supply for scheduled surgeries and potential emergencies during the camp.

Making a Difference: You are giving patients a fighting chance at recovery and a better quality of life.

Community Impact: Show your solidarity with those in need in our community.

Let's fill the blood bank and give these patients the gift of life!

Please share this post widely! Tag a friend, a family member, or anyone you know who is eligible to donate.

For more information, please contact the JOOTRH Blood Transfusion Center.

13/11/2025

Kisumu Boosts Mental Health Care with Key Partner Support.

A high-level delegation of global health partners, including representatives from Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Living Goods, visited Kisumu this week to underscore their commitment to scaling up mental health services in the region.

Led by Kisumu County CECM for Health, Public Health, and Sanitation, Dr. Greggory Ganda, the visitors toured intervention areas and graced a crucial week-long training session at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

The delegation included Mr. Howard Reid (Vice President, Global Health Equity, J&J), Alice Lin Fabiano (Global Head, Social Impact and Partnerships, J&J), Emilie Chambert (CEO, Living Goods), and Christine Namayanja (Country Director, Living Goods).

The training is focused on capacity building for non-specialized healthcare workers at Level Two and Three facilities. The primary goal is to integrate mental health into primary health care, ensuring early detection, psychosocial support, and proper referral linkages are available right down to the community level.

This intensified focus follows findings that up to 25% of patients attending outpatient clinics in Kisumu for other ailments (like diabetes or hypertension) also suffer from mental health disorders such as PTSD and depression. Addressing the high rate of underreporting is vital to designing targeted programs, especially for su***de prevention.

J&J is the overarching supporter of this comprehensive effort, which spans from the community (Level One) to specialist care (Level Six). The partnership has already facilitated mental health screening training for all community health workers. The current training for higher-level staff is supported by J&J through AMREF, while the community component is backed by Living Goods and Kamili Organization.

As part of this initiative, JOOTRH is also advancing the development of a telemedicine center to expand remote consultations, ensuring timely mental health care and service continuity across the region.

The program aims to equip healthcare workers with practical skills to identify, manage, and refer mental health cases effectively, especially at lower-level facilities. The training has brought together nurses and other cadres from across Kisumu, reinforcing JOOTRH’s commitment to improving psychosocial support within the healthcare system.

JOOTRH has, in recent years, taken deliberate steps to address the growing burden of mental health challenges among both patients and staff. Internal assessments have indicated that a considerable proportion of healthcare providers experience work-related stress and depression, emphasizing the need for structured psychosocial support mechanisms within the health system.

As part of the wellness program, the hospital is in the process of establishing a telemedicine centre that will allow remote consultations and support for individuals who cannot easily access the facility. Once complete, the centre will link patients and specialists virtually, ensuring timely mental health care and continuity of services across the region.

12/11/2025

TODAY is World Pneumonia Day (November 12)!
At JOOTRH, we stand by the theme: "Every Breath Counts – Stop Pneumonia Now!"
Pneumonia is one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, tragically claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands annually, especially our children and the elderly.
The good news? Pneumonia deaths are mostly preventable and treatable!
Let's protect our community by focusing on simple, vital steps:
💉 Vaccination
🍎 Good Nutrition
🌬️ Clean Air
🏥 Timely Medical Care
No one should lose their life to a preventable illness. Let’s come together to raise awareness, support prevention, and strengthen our health systems.
Protect every breath — because every breath counts!

12/11/2025

Karibu JOOTRH Dr. Onudi.

12/11/2025

Family Celebrates Birthday with Heartfelt Donation to JOOTRH Obama Wards

In a display of community spirit, the Oguta and Battel families came together to celebrate a birthday by donating care packages to the children's ward at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital(JOOTRH). The gesture, filled with diapers, fruits and milk, and essential supplies, aimed to bring joy and comfort to young patients during their stay.

"They wanted to share their birthday happiness with other kids. We were all so touched and happy to help make it happen." The family turned their celebration into an opportunity to give back.

Nurse Betty Aketch, the head nurse of the children's ward, expressed her heartfelt appreciation. "This is such a wonderful act of kindness," she said. "The children's faces light up when they receive these gifts. It truly makes a difference in their day and helps boost their spirits during a difficult time." The hospital staff was deeply moved by the families' generosity. The donation has had a very positive impact.

The family's thoughtful act serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and the positive impact small gestures can have on those in need.

12/11/2025

TODAY is World Pneumonia Day (November 12)!

At JOOTRH, we stand by the theme: "Every Breath Counts – Stop Pneumonia Now!"

Pneumonia is one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, tragically claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands annually, especially our children and the elderly.

The good news? Pneumonia deaths are mostly preventable and treatable!

Let's protect our community by focusing on simple, vital steps:

💉 Vaccination

🍎 Good Nutrition

🌬️ Clean Air

🏥 Timely Medical Care

No one should lose their life to a preventable illness. Let’s come together to raise awareness, support prevention, and strengthen our health systems.

Protect every breath — because every breath counts!

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital

15/11/2025

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