By Jabali Media
The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) Victoria Annex has been reopened, after months of refurbishment.
Victoria Annex hospital will now serve as a dedicated sickle cell disease management centre, besides supplementing JOOTRH’s surgical capacity.
Speaking during the event on Wednesday, May 07, 2025, Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o said the reopening could not have 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, the second term governor said deeply affects families physically, emotionally and financially, adding that he is proud that the disease can now be managed at Victoria Annex.
“In Kisumu alone, approximately 2 of every 100 children are born with sickle cell diseases and around 21 percent carry the sickle cell trait. Tragically, many of these children do not live to celebrate their 5th birthday,” said Nyong’o.
“Let me say this clearly: sickle cell disease is manageable,” he added.
The refurbished facility, the governor said, will also play a major role in providing healthcare services to healthcare staff in the Lakeside County.
“The annex will begin by providing services to our very own healthcare staff in Kisumu. 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 sickle cell disease is one of the health challenges affecting far too many families in Kisumu and the region at large.
“The opening of Victoria Annex allows us to move both our pediatric and adult sickle cell clinics to a more spacious, well equipped and welcoming environment,” he said.
Every Wednesday, the CEO added, his dedicated team serves around 4o children living with the condition.
“Until now, adult services have faced limitations due to space challenges. With this new facility, we can expand and grow care for both groups.”
He said they intend not to leave no one behind, as far as provision of quality and affordable healthcare services is concerned.