JOOTRH collaborates with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine to establish African Center of Excellence in Pathology

KENYA—Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has formalized a strategic partnership with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) Kenya.

This collaboration aims to transform JOOTRH into a premier African Center of Excellence in Pathology and Diagnostic Research.

The newly signed Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC) establishes a formal framework for enhancing research, diagnostics, training, and surveillance.

The partnership has already achieved success through the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) program, specifically within the maternity unit and the Kwee Farewell Home.

This agreement expands that scope to include the PRISMA program and other critical units across the hospital.

Advanced facilities and infrastructure

The partnership will provide JOOTRH with dedicated advanced facilities, including project-specific space for an advanced pathology lab within the hospital.

The lab will serve routine hospital diagnostics, office coordination, and high-level research activities.

The MOC covers infrastructure and equipment upgrades, enhancing access to shared cutting-edge technology.

Partners will install a Hyperfine Portable Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, bringing advanced imaging capabilities to the facility.

The collaboration includes modernization of the funeral home to support mortality studies, such as advanced HIV disease research.

Partners will upgrade autopsy suites and install stainless steel dissection tables to improve research conditions.

Capacity building and diagnostic precision

JOOTRH and LSTM will jointly train healthcare workers, including doctors, pathologists, and scientists.

This training ensures staff acquire the latest clinical research skills and safety protocols, strengthening the hospital’s overall capabilities.

The collaboration will enhance diagnostic precision by integrating advanced instrumentation from partners like Thermo Fisher Scientific.

The hospital will significantly increase its speed and accuracy in detecting complex diseases through these technological improvements.

Facility assessment and official signing

A high-level tour of the current facilities preceded the formal signing. A delegation from LSTM and Thermo Fisher Scientific visited the hospital to observe diagnostic operations firsthand.

This visit allowed partners to assess the hospital’s capacity for advanced medical research and identify immediate technological upgrades the collaboration will fulfill.

Dr. Okise Clinton Ombiri, the Chief Executive Officer of JOOTRH, officially signed the MOC. Dr. Allan Yienya, the Director of Research and Training, witnessed the signing, while Professor S.B. Squire signed on behalf of LSTM.

Representing LSTM Kenya, Dr. Victor Akelo signed the agreement with support from Joanne Clague and Prof. S.B. Squire.

This signing marks the beginning of a new era in collaborative health science between the United Kingdom and Kenya, bringing international expertise to strengthen healthcare delivery in the region.