A team of neurosurgeons from the United States has begun a week-long surgical camp at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), targeting at least 50 complex brain and spine cases as part of efforts to expand access to specialised care in western Kenya.
The camp, running from February 16 to 20 under the Kisumu Neuroscience Initiative, brings together neurosurgeons, anesthetists, nurses and, for the first time, a dedicated pediatric neurosurgeon to handle children’s cases.
Dr. Victor Awuor, a Columbus, Ohio-based neurosurgeon and co-founder of the initiative, said the focus is on safe surgery and long-term patient outcomes rather than numbers.
“A surgery is only as good as the care afterwards. We are not after volumes but ensuring that the patients who trust us go home safely,” he said.
Dr. Awuor noted that the team will handle a mix of adult and pediatric cases, including brain tumors and spinal conditions.
He said the programme, launched in 2017 by Kisumu-born neurosurgeons practicing in the US, was designed to advance access to quality neurosurgical services in the region.
Since its inception, the initiative has conducted more than 554 surgeries and over 1,500 clinic reviews, while also offering structured training and mentorship to local medical staff.
Welcoming the delegation, JOOTRH Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Joshua Okise said the programme has significantly transformed neurosurgical services at the referral facility, which serves patients from the Lake Region Economic Bloc counties and beyond.
“When this programme started, we did not have a neurosurgeon here. Today, we have three neurosurgeons and expect two more by the end of the year,” said Dr. Okise.
He said the hospital has strengthened its capacity to ensure continuity of care after the visiting team departs, with local neurosurgeons and specialised nurses overseeing postoperative management and follow-up.
Dr. Okise urged patients in need of neurosurgical services to attend ongoing screening clinics at the hospital, adding that those registered with the Social Health Authority (SHA) would be able to access the services.
JOOTRH neurosurgeon Dr. Lee Ogutha said the camp also prioritizes knowledge transfer to ensure sustainability of specialised services in the region.
“We are not only performing surgery but also training theatre teams, mentoring residents and building systems that will continue to support patients long after the camp ends,” he said.
The camp will culminate in the sixth Kisumu Neurosurgery Symposium on February 21, bringing together specialists from different countries to discuss advancements in neurosurgical care and regional collaboration.
By Chris Mahandara & Faith Lumumba
