Avenue Hospital Kisumu has announced a fresh partnership with local journalists to strengthen its community outreach and help demystify the long-held belief that private hospitals are a reserve for the rich.
During a dinner meeting attended by journalists from leading media houses across the lake region, the hospital outlined its vision of a healthier, more informed community where access to quality healthcare is shared by all.
Dr. Valentino Khoja, the General Manager at Avenue Hospital Kisumu, said the partnership with the media is a deliberate step toward bridging information gaps and amplifying health education.
“Our focus is not just on treating illness but promoting preventive health. Journalists are powerful voices in shaping community behaviour and this partnership will help us deliver life-changing messages directly to the people,” he said.
Avenue Hospital’s impact extends beyond its facilities. It works closely with government health institutions, including the recently upgraded Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), Lumumba Sub-County Hospital, Kisumu County Referral Hospital and other local health centres.
This collaboration strengthens emergency response, referral systems and continuity of care, ensuring patients receive timely and comprehensive medical attention. It has also enhanced knowledge exchange and emergency preparedness across health facilities in Kisumu.
According to Dr. Diana Abuodha, the Medical Services Director at Avenue Hospital Kisumu, this collaboration is central to their mission of inclusive healthcare.
“We share a strong working relationship with surrounding government hospitals. In emergencies, we coordinate patient transfers seamlessly with JOOTRH, Lumumba and other county facilities to ensure no life is lost due to delays. Our partnership model focuses on complementing public health efforts, not competing with them,” said Dr. Abuodha.
The hospital has been at the forefront of championing community health and wellbeing such as Sickle Cell Disease awareness, conducting free screening and educational drives in schools and villages. The initiative has helped many families understand the condition and take preventive measures early.
Avenue Hospital also promotes environmental health through its Healthy Environment, Healthy People initiative. In one memorable campaign, staff joined traders in cleaning Kibuye Market, one of East Africa’s largest open-air markets, encouraging residents to maintain cleaner surroundings.
The hospital’s next major event, the Diabetes Awareness Walk and Wellness Festival, is set for November 15, 2025, at Impala Park in Kisumu. It will feature a diabetes walk, free screening, nutrition education, aerobics and Zumba sessions.
Branded Diabetes Walk T-shirts are available at Ksh 1,000, and the public is urged to turn up in large numbers to make the day impactful and raise awareness about diabetes prevention.
According to Mercy Obare, Relationship Executive at Avenue Hospital Kisumu, the goal is to build a healthier society through collaboration.
“This partnership with the media marks a new chapter. Together, we can make health information engaging, accurate and impactful,” she said.
As the evening drew to a close, journalists lauded the hospital’s openness and commitment to working hand in hand with the media. The partnership sets the stage for continued collaboration in shaping Kisumu’s health communication landscape.
With every outreach, from Sickle Cell campaigns to diabetes awareness, emergency collaborations and market clean-ups, Avenue Hospital continues to redefine private healthcare, proving that wellness truly belongs to everyone.
