A team of international surgical specialists from the European Institute of Oncology (EIO) in Italy and partner institutions across Europe has arrived in Kisumu for a major Breast and Sarcoma Surgical Camp at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
The week-long medical mission, running from November 4 to 7, 2025, brings together European and Kenyan experts, including Dr Marwa Nyamahonga, Consultant in General Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Dr Ceaser Bitta of Maseno University, and Dr Albert Ng’ong’a, Resident General Surgeon at JOOTRH.
The team will perform life-changing procedures such as mastectomies, breast-conserving surgeries, reduction mammoplasties, breast reconstruction, and soft tissue sarcoma operations.
The camp follows a month-long Kisumu Breast Cancer Project (KBCP) screening drive, which screened over 400 women, identifying 30 patients for surgical intervention.
JOOTRH Chief Executive Officer Dr Joshua Okise hailed the partnership as a milestone in strengthening cancer care and surgical capacity in the region. He emphasised that many cancer patients report late, limiting treatment options and reducing survival chances.
Dr Okise further outlined plans to expand outreach through the JOOTRH Mashinani initiative, which takes specialised medical services — including cancer screening — to grassroots communities.
He said the hospital aims to make advanced healthcare accessible beyond the main facility while ensuring capacity building among local medical teams.
The international partnership also focuses on skills transfer and mentorship, allowing local surgeons to benefit from global expertise even after the camp concludes.
Patients scheduled for surgery have been encouraged to register under the Social Health Authority (SHA) for comprehensive post-operative care and follow-up.
By Chris Mahandara
