A one-year-old baby boy abandoned at the Obama Children’s Hospital on the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) premises has found a new home at The Brook Center for the Deaf and Autistic Children in Kasarani, Nairobi.
The boy’s life took a tragic turn on October 4, 2024, when he was discovered in critical condition in the outpatient waiting bay by a hospital staff member. Medical assessments revealed he was suffering from severe dehydration, chronic convulsions, acute malnutrition, and cerebral palsy.
“Over the past three months, the baby received intensive care at JOOTRH, including nutritional support, seizure management, and occupational therapy sessions. These efforts have led to significant improvements, such as partial head control and the ability to feed using a cup,” JOOTRH said in a statement.
Despite his recovery, no family came forward to claim him, prompting the hospital to facilitate his placement at The Brook Center, a registered charity home caring for vulnerable children with disabilities.
Timothy Liani, director of The Brook Center, highlighted the challenges faced by children with special needs. “Lack of information and support often leads to abandonment and delays in their development,” he said.
Eunice Gor, head of Medical Social Work at JOOTRH and the lead in the placement process, called on the public to seek proper resources and support for children with disabilities.
The Brook Center, recognized by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, provides a safe haven for abandoned, abused, and orphaned children living with disabilities.
This story stands as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of community support in giving vulnerable children a chance at life.
