By Sandra Blessing
For two months, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) became the home of an abandoned child. They did not only give him a name, Baby Miracle Blessing, but took care of him and found a permanent home for him.
They became the new family after he was left for nature to take its course, and indeed fate worked wonders for Miracle Blessing. JOOTRH came calling and answered the cry.
The cry of the pain of abandonment after birth, helplessness and loneliness were turned into tears of joy on Wednesday during the handover.
Baby Miracle, who did not ask to be brought into the world, found the arrival a painful journey on the earth, a total contrast to the warmth and plenty in his mother’s womb for the nine months of the formation.
On Wednesday, Ag Chief Executive Officer of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), Dr Joshua Clinton Okise, and the hospital family were all in tears of joy over the mission accomplished.
The CEO handed over Baby Miracle Blessing to New Life Home after the newborn spent two months under medical care and protection at the hospital.
Baby ‘Miracle Blessing’ seemed to be only three days old when he was found abandoned in Lower Milimani Ward, Kisumu Central Sub-County, near the Innovation Eye Centre.
Two security officers who discovered the newborn immediately alerted the National Police Service, helping to secure his safety and initiate the process of getting him medical attention.
He was subsequently brought to JOOTRH on 28 June, where he was admitted to Obama Children Hospital for medical assessment and care.
Dr Okise said for the next two months, Miracle Blessing became part of the daily routine at the hospital, receiving medical attention, feeding, monitoring, vaccination and nurturing care from healthcare workers as he steadily grew.
“From the vulnerability of being found alone to the security and stability of hospital care, the baby’s journey reflected the critical role healthcare institutions can play in protecting children in vulnerable circumstances,” he said.
He said while the clinical team focused on his health and development, the hospital’s Medical Social Work Department worked to secure his longer-term protection and welfare.
Led by the Medical Social Work In-Charge, Ms Eunice Gor, the department coordinated assessments, documentation, follow-up and engagement with relevant child-protection stakeholders to ensure that the child’s needs were addressed and that an appropriate placement was secured.
“The journey culminated in the baby’s formal handover to New Life Home, where he will continue to receive shelter, protection, nurturing care and support as he grows,” he said.
Dr Okise presided over the handover, marking the end of the baby’s period of hospital-based care and the beginning of a new chapter in a safer and more supportive environment.
“JOOTRH cares beyond treating illness — extending its responsibility to protecting vulnerable patients and working with partners to ensure their welfare beyond the hospital walls,” he said.
