Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in Kisumu, Kenya, has successfully performed its inaugural cardiothoracic surgery, marking a significant medical achievement for Western Kenya. The groundbreaking procedure, an esophagectomy for Stage II esophageal cancer, was performed on Christine Awino Onyango, who is now recovering well.

• The surgery was led by cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons Dr. Robert Sadia and Dr. Juma Odoro, who recently returned after specialized training.
• This achievement paves the way for JOOTRH's upcoming Heart Surgery Unit, set to serve millions across Western Kenya and neighboring regions.
• Esophageal cancer is the second most common cancer treated at JOOTRH, and Kenya records over 2,000 new cases annually.