Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa on Wednesday hosted Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga at Afya House to discuss key healthcare issues affecting Kisumu County. The meeting focused on the strategic positioning of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) and pressing health challenges facing women in the region.
According to the Ministry of Health, JOOTRH, a Level 6 facility, serves not only Kisumu but the entire Lake Region Economic Bloc. Both leaders emphasized the urgency of expediting its full transition to enhance its capacity in delivering specialized healthcare.
The discussion also addressed the health risks posed by the ongoing rainy season, which has led to increased cases of malaria, diarrhea, and other waterborne diseases in Kisumu County. These outbreaks, combined with disruptions to maternal and child health services, threaten to reverse progress made in immunization and public health delivery.
Barasa and Odinga acknowledged the need for stronger disaster preparedness and emergency response mechanisms to protect vulnerable communities from the growing impact of extreme weather conditions. They reiterated their shared commitment to improving access to healthcare services and ensuring Kisumu residents receive timely medical attention.
The meeting highlighted the critical role of government intervention in mitigating health challenges through policy reforms, increased funding, and improved healthcare infrastructure. As Kisumu continues to battle climate-related health risks, collaboration between national and county leadership remains key to safeguarding public health.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening healthcare systems in Kisumu and beyond, ensuring that facilities like JOOTRH remain well-equipped to handle emerging health threats.
