Published: February 15, 2026 | Courtesy: Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital
Kisumu, Kenya – A powerful message of patient-centered care echoed through the corridors of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) this weekend as a multidisciplinary neurosurgery team arrived from the United States for a week-long surgical camp.
“A surgery is only as good as the care afterwards; we are not after volumes but ensuring the patients who trust us go home safely.”
That was the reminder from Dr. Victor Awuor, head of delegation for the Kisumu Neuroscience Initiative, as the team landed in Kisumu ahead of the camp running from Monday, 16th to Friday, 20th February 2026.
🧠 About the Visiting Team
The visiting delegation from the United States comprises:
🩺 Neurosurgeons
💉 Anesthetists
🏥 Nurses
👶 A dedicated pediatric neurosurgeon – focusing exclusively on children’s cases (a first for the program)
🏥 JOOTRH Leadership Welcomes Collaboration
Welcoming the team, JOOTRH Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Joshua Okise expressed gratitude for the continued partnership:
“This program has transformed lives and given hope.”
He emphasized that beyond delivering critical surgical services, the initiative creates invaluable learning opportunities for local medical teams.
📈 Building Local Neurosurgical Capacity
Dr. Okise highlighted the hospital’s remarkable progress in neurosurgery:
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| 2017 (Program Start) | Only 1 neurosurgeon at JOOTRH |
| 2026 (Current) | 3 neurosurgeons on staff |
| Coming Soon | 2 more expected to return from medical school |
| Total Projected | 5 neurosurgeons in the near future |
📊 Impact Since 2017
Since its inception, the Kisumu Neuroscience Initiative has achieved:
✅ Over 554 surgeries performed
✅ More than 1,500 clinic reviews
“We really wanted to advance neurosurgical services and increase access to quality neurosurgery in Kisumu.”
— Dr. Victor Awuor, Co-founder of the program
🗽 Visiting Specialist’s Perspective
Dr. Robert Galler, a visiting neurosurgeon from New York, described the program’s growth as:
“Remarkable.”
He emphasized that mentoring residents and young doctors remains central to the mission, ensuring long-term sustainability and local expertise.
📋 What to Expect This Week
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Camp Duration | Monday 16th – Friday 20th February 2026 |
| Cases Expected | Approximately 50 mixed cases |
| Includes | Adult and pediatric brain and spine tumors |
| Closing Event | Kisumu Neurosurgery Symposium – Saturday, 21st February |
| Symposium Focus | Academic exchange and regional collaboration |
🙌 Transforming Lives, Building Hope
The Kisumu Neuroscience Initiative stands as a shining example of what international collaboration, local dedication, and patient-first values can achieve. From a single neurosurgeon in 2017 to a growing team of specialists, JOOTRH is cementing its place as a regional center of excellence in neurosurgery.
🚗 Supporting Patients and Families During the Camp
If you or a loved one is attending the camp or need reliable transport to and from JOOTRH, Afrivibe Rentals is here to help.
We offer:
🚕 Patient transport services – comfortable and caring
🏥 Hospital transfers to JOOTRH and other facilities
👨👩👧 Family transport for accompanying relatives
📍 Point-to-point travel across Kisumu
👉 Book Your Ride via WhatsApp
📞 Call/SMS: 0710899460
🌐 www.kisumuairportcabs.co.ke
Because every journey matters—especially the ones toward healing.