JOOTRH’s Victoria Hospital Annex in Kisumu reopens with expanded services

KENYA— The Governor of Kisumu County, Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o, has officially reopened the Victoria Hospital Annex at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu City.

This specialized clinic, first opened in March 2023, now features a dedicated Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) facility to address the high prevalence of SCD in Western Kenya.

Located at the Victoria Annex in Milimani, the facility offers specialized care for sickle cell disease, hematology, and related surgical treatments.

This initiative responds to a sharp increase in SCD cases in Kisumu County and neighboring areas, where approximately 4.5% of children in Western Kenya are born with SCD and 18% carry the sickle cell trait.

In Kisumu alone, about 32 out of every 100 children born annually are affected by the disease, placing a heavy burden on families and healthcare services.

The Victoria Annex serves as a comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Management Center, providing hope and improved care for patients.

Currently, around 40 children receive treatment for SCD every Wednesday, and the new facility will expand services to both children and adults.

Additionally, the annex enhances JOOTRH’s surgical capacity, reducing waiting times and streamlining care for all patients.

The reopening ceremony was attended by key county officials, hospital management, and partners including Equity Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank, and CHEB, underscoring the collaborative effort behind this milestone.

During its initial launch, JOOTRH CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe highlighted that the facility is fully equipped with a pharmacy stocked with necessary medications, a laboratory, and a triage section to ensure timely and comprehensive care.

 The integration of health management information systems (HMIS) will improve patient record keeping and service efficiency.

Dr. Lesiyampe emphasized that the Victoria Annex caters especially to JOOTRH staff, students, and the wider community, offering affordable outpatient services.

The hospital is actively recruiting nurses, clinical officers, and medical officers to support the expanded services.

 Plans are underway to introduce advanced diagnostic and treatment methods, aiming to establish the center as a regional excellence hub for SCD care.

This development is part of JOOTRH’s broader transformation since its elevation to a National Referral Hospital and state parastatal status, which has enabled increased funding and expansion of services, including emergency care, dialysis, and cancer treatment.

The Victoria Annex is also set to house Africa’s first Bone Marrow Transplant Center within 14 months, further strengthening hematology services in the region.

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