JOOTRH hires Dr. Brenda Misore as pediatric oncologist to establish child cancer unit

KENYA—Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu has welcomed its first pediatric oncologist, Dr. Brenda Misore, marking a major advancement in healthcare services for children in Western Kenya.

 Her arrival marks a crucial step toward establishing a dedicated pediatric oncology unit at the hospital, addressing a longstanding regional need.

The hospital’s CEO officially received Dr. Misore, Mr. Joshua Clinton Okise, who expressed great enthusiasm for this development.

During her welcome, Dr. Misore spoke about her commitment to improving cancer care for children and highlighted the ambitious goal of reopening a fully functional pediatric oncology unit at JOOTRH.

She emphasized the urgent need to address childhood cancer survival rates, which in Kenya currently stand at about 40 percent, in contrast to the global average of approximately 80 percent.

Her focus will be on closing this gap by improving early detection and treatment, as the survival chances for children diagnosed early with cancer are significantly higher than for adults.

This approach aligns with international findings that emphasise early diagnosis as a key factor in achieving better treatment outcomes in pediatric cancer cases.

Prior to Dr. Misore’s arrival, children requiring specialized cancer treatment had to travel to national centers like Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret or Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi.

This often imposed heavy financial and emotional burdens on families, who faced long journeys and accommodation costs while trying to access vital care.

By offering these services locally, JOOTRH aims to alleviate these difficulties, making it easier for families to adhere to treatment plans and ultimately improving overall patient outcomes.

The establishment of a pediatric oncology unit at JOOTRH is expected to bring specialized cancer care closer to thousands of children in the Western Kenya region.

This development could significantly enhance access to lifesaving cancer treatment and increase survival rates.

CEO Okise acknowledged the value Dr. Misore brings to JOOTRH, noting that her expertise complements the hospital’s mission to deliver specialized healthcare in the region.

He described her appointment as a key moment that brings new hope to children suffering from cancer and their families.

This effort aligns with broader national and international initiatives aimed at reducing childhood cancer mortality by improving diagnostic and treatment facilities in underserved areas.

The Kenyan government, along with partners like the World Health Organization and Kenyan Cancer Association, has been working to expand access to cancer care, including pediatric services, throughout the country.

The local availability of pediatric oncology care at JOOTRH is expected to play a vital role in these ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare equity and improve survival rates among children diagnosed with cancer in Western Kenya.

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