This archive report was first published on 11 July 2020.
On July 10, 2020, Dr. Doreen Adisa Lugaliki's life slipped away in a Nairobi hospital, leaving behind a family, colleagues, and a nation in shock. The 39-year-old obstetrician and gynaecologist had been a pillar of strength in her community, dedicating her life to promoting optimal wellness for women.
According to sources, Dr. Lugaliki had tested negative for COVID-19 during contact-tracing after being exposed to two infected colleagues at her workstation. However, she later developed respiratory distress and was rushed to the hospital, where she was intubated in a desperate bid to save her life.
Her untimely death has sent shockwaves through the medical fraternity, with over 200 doctors currently battling the virus across the country. The Kenya Medical Association has called for the public to allow the family to mourn in private, as the medical community comes to terms with the loss.
Dr. Lugaliki's colleagues and friends remember her as a vibrant, bubbly, and intelligent intellectual who always put her patients first. Her love for her children and dedication to her work were qualities that inspired many, and her passing has left a void that will be difficult to fill.
As the nation mourns the loss of this young and talented doctor, it is a stark reminder of the risks healthcare workers face in the line of duty. The Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society has described Dr. Lugaliki as 'a young, brilliant, extremely hard-working obstetrician and gynaecologist who cared for her patients with unmatched dedication and zeal.'
