Migori: A Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) in Uriri Sub County, Migori, has launched a health care facility aimed at bridging gaps in the region's health care services. The Joseph Smith Hospital, founded by Gladwell Wachira, was created in response to the rising maternal deaths and cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, the facility originally began as a rescue centre and children's home but has since expanded to include health care services for residents of North Kanyamkago Ward. In 2024, the centre assisted 76 girls subjected to defilement, rape, and physical abuse, with ten more rescued as of March this year. Wachira emphasized the need for collaboration with government levels to enhance health care delivery at the grassroots.
Wachira noted that the hospital offers hope for girls and women, who often do not report GBV incidents due to stigma and social exclusion. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (2022) reported that 34 percent of Kenyan women have experienced sexual violence.
Uriri Sub County GBV Coordinator Celestine Agunda highlighted the prevalence of GBV among intimate partners and stressed the role of community action in eradicating the issue. Agunda urged local support for private initiatives like Joseph Smith Hospital to boost health care services.
The facility aims to alleviate the suffering of adolescent girls and women, as 47 percent of women aged 15 to 49 have faced physical or sexual violence from partners, according to Kenya Demographic and Health Survey statistics. Agunda also mentioned ongoing efforts by community health promoters to raise awareness against GBV.
Deputy County Commissioner Monicah Kangethe advocated for government-private partnerships to address existing health care gaps. Kangethe encouraged expectant women to seek Antenatal Care and deliver in hospitals to reduce maternal mortality, which is currently higher in Migori County than the national average.
Kangethe further urged residents to register for Social Hospital Insurance Funds (SHIF) to access services from government, private, and mission hospitals nationwide.