This archive report was first published on 11 July 2020.
Kenya has lost its first healthcare worker to Covid-19, a 38-year-old gynecologist and obstetrician who died while undergoing treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital ICU unit on Friday morning.
Dr. Doreen Adisa Lugaliki, who worked at The Nairobi South Hospital, contracted the contagious disease at her workplace and was admitted to the Aga Khan Hospital after being infected.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) confirmed her passing through Twitter, stating, "KMPDU mourns the death of Dr. Doreen Adisa Lugaliki who passed on due to COVID-19 contracted at the workplace. We reiterate & remind GOK & ALL Private health facilities that the Welfare, Occupational Safety & Health of frontline workers is a non-negotiable Minimum!!"
Her colleagues, including former KMPDU secretary-general Dr. Ouma Oluga, described Dr. Lugaliki as a diligent doctor, saying, "Go well Dr. Doreen Adisa Lugaliki. You enjoyed the practice of gynecology. And then you were just beginning to get deeper into the career that you loved so much. We shall miss you dearly. Deep Condolences to the entire medical fraternity, friends and the family."
As of Tuesday, a total of 257 Kenyan healthcare workers had been infected with Covid-19, according to the Health Ministry, which assured of the government's commitment to protecting frontline workers.
