This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
Kenyan doctors are in mourning after the loss of a colleague to COVID-19. Dr. Doreen Adisa Lugaliki, a young and promising obstetrician/gynecologist, died on July 10, 2020, at the height of the pandemic.
According to the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union (KMPDU), Dr. Lugaliki's death was a devastating blow to the medical fraternity. Her colleagues described her as a hardworking and dedicated doctor who was full of potential.
Health CS Mutahi Kagwe had earlier revealed that at least 257 health workers had contracted COVID-19 since the first case was confirmed in the country on Friday, March 13. The CS was speaking in Makueni county where he was assessing the county's preparedness to combat the pandemic.
As of Thursday, July 9, Kenya had recorded 8,975 infections with 173 deaths.
Dr. Lugaliki's colleagues took to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to their fallen colleague. Dr. Mercy Korir tweeted, 'We have lost one of our own as a doctors' fraternity to COVID-19. A young doctor with so much to offer.'
Dr. Eunice Ngari said, 'Sad news in the morning. God have mercy on us health care workers.'
Dr. Dorcas Kyove added, 'It's the saddest thing to die while saving life.'
