A newly established health facility in Uriri Sub-County, Migori County, is transforming lives by addressing the urgent health needs of gender-based violence (GBV) survivors and expectant mothers. The hospital, developed by a local non-governmental organization, aims to close critical gaps in healthcare access at the grassroots level.
Originally founded as a rescue center and children’s home, the Joseph Smith Hospital has evolved into a comprehensive healthcare facility. The expansion was prompted by the alarming rise in maternal mortality and GBV cases in the region. Last year alone, 76 girls who had experienced defilement, rape, or physical assault were rescued and sheltered by the facility. In the current year, the number of rescued girls has already reached ten.
The hospital now offers essential medical services, including antenatal care, trauma counseling, and support for survivors of sexual and physical violence. The facility is also designed to provide a safe, stigma-free environment where women and girls can access care without fear or shame. For many, it represents not just a hospital, but a lifeline in a region where stigma, fear, and isolation have long hindered survivors from seeking help.
The founders of the hospital have emphasized that their goal is not to compete with government healthcare systems, but to support and strengthen them. They have called for deeper partnerships with both national and county governments to ensure quality, accessible care reaches even the most remote communities.
Statistics from national health and demographic surveys reveal the urgency of the hospital’s mission. An estimated 34% of women in Kenya have experienced sexual violence, while nearly half of women aged 15 to 49 have suffered physical or sexual intimate partner violence. Such figures underscore the importance of having safe spaces where survivors can receive not only medical care, but also psychological support and protection.
Community engagement has also become a vital component of the hospital’s strategy. Local leaders and healthcare promoters have been instrumental in raising awareness about GBV and encouraging victims to come forward. Community health volunteers continue to conduct sensitization campaigns aimed at changing harmful social norms and promoting the rights and well-being of women and girls.
In addition to supporting GBV survivors, the hospital is also focused on improving maternal health outcomes. The maternal mortality rate in Migori County currently stands at 673 deaths per 100,000 live births, almost double the national average. To help address this crisis, the hospital is encouraging expectant women to seek regular antenatal checkups and deliver in health facilities where skilled personnel are available.
Residents have also been encouraged to register with the Social Hospital Insurance Fund (SHIF) to ensure they can access affordable care. The inclusion of both public and private facilities under SHIF is expected to ease the financial burden on low-income families and expand healthcare access throughout the county.
The establishment of this hospital is a significant step toward enhancing health services in Uriri Sub-County. By combining healthcare, protection services, and community outreach, it offers renewed hope to vulnerable populations who have long been underserved. As partnerships strengthen and awareness grows, the facility stands as a model for community-driven healthcare solutions in other parts of the country.
