By TWV Team
In a remarkable display of international cooperation, the U.S. government has partnered with Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu, to advance a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming HIV care for young people. The “Operation Triple Zero” (OTZ) programme focuses on providing tailored HIV treatment to adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV), to achieve Zero Missed Appointments, Zero Missed Doses, and Undetectable Viral Load.
The OTZ initiative holistically combines medical treatment, psychosocial support, peer mentorship, and economic empowerment. This integrated approach addresses the physical health needs of young people while building their resilience, self-reliance, and sense of community.
The programme emphasizes improving adherence to HIV care, ensuring consistent medication adherence, and achieving undetectable viral loads to reduce HIV transmission in the region and empower youth to manage their health. By addressing these barriers, OTZ aims to curb HIV transmission and empower youth to manage their health.
During a recent visit to JOOTRH by U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Carla Benini, Kisumu’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Mathews Owili, lauded the partnership as a critical step towards strengthening the region’s healthcare infrastructure. He described it as a milestone, noting that it would enhance the lives of youth living with HIV and bolster the overall capacity of the healthcare system in Kisumu and beyond.
“This collaboration will significantly boost our ability to provide accessible, high-quality medical care. It aligns with our vision for a resilient, equitable health system that serves all Kenyans,” Dr. Owili remarked.
Carla Benini echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the progress she witnessed at JOOTRH and the empowerment of youth through OTZ. “Today’s youth are educated, entrepreneurial, and driven. With the right support, they can lead the fight against HIV and uplift their communities,” she said.
JOOTRH, a leader in HIV care in Kenya for over two decades, plays a central role in the national HIV response. As one of only two Comprehensive Care Clinics (CCC), which provide specialized HIV treatment and support services in the country, the hospital cares for over 6,800 HIV-positive patients, including 800 adolescents and 2,175 seniors. In addition to HIV services, JOOTRH provides care for patients with non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health conditions. This integrated care model reflects the hospital’s commitment to addressing the growing burden of chronic conditions alongside infectious diseases like HIV.
The hospital’s prevention programme of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programme has seen significant success, with over 2,500 pregnant and breastfeeding women enrolled annually. This initiative has helped ensure that many babies born to HIV-positive mothers are HIV-free, offering hope for a future-free generation.
JOOTRH’s HIV care extends beyond clinical treatment. The hospital offers services like Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC), and Post-Gender-Based Violence Care to reduce HIV transmission and improve quality of life. Additionally, Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) for People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) addresses broader factors contributing to HIV transmission.
The OTZ programme supports youth through income-generating activities and peer support groups, fostering financial independence and emotional well-being. These efforts strengthen social bonds and promote mental health.
Recently elevated to a national referral hospital and state corporation, JOOTRH is poised to expand its impact. With enhanced resources and support from the U.S. government and other partners, the hospital aims to deliver quality, integrated healthcare to the Nyanza region and beyond.
This progress is not just about improving healthcare outcomes; it’s about creating an inclusive, equitable health system where the needs of vulnerable youth, especially young people, are met with the support they need to thrive.
The U.S.-Kenya partnership underscores the power of international cooperation in addressing global health challenges. By combining local expertise, community-led solutions, and global support, OTZ is proving that meaningful change is possible in the fight against HIV.
As OTZ grows, it offers hope not only for HIV care in Kenya but also for a resilient, accessible health system that responds to the needs of the community communities, especially youth. The OTZ initiative is paving the way for innovative, grassroots-led change, serving as a model for other nations facing similar challenges.
