This archive report was first published on 3 August 2020.
Nairobi, Kenya, August 3, 2020 - A 32-year-old nurse has become the latest victim of COVID-19 in Kenya, succumbing to the disease just a week after giving birth to a baby boy at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The nurse, who was referred to the hospital from Rachuonyo Sub-County Hospital in Homa Bay County, had been experiencing difficulties in breathing for two weeks before being placed in the intensive care unit.
According to Kisii County Director of Public Health Richard Ongware, the nurse's lungs collapsed due to the effects of COVID-19, leading to her death.
Fortunately, the newborn baby is in good health and has tested negative for COVID-19 on several tests.
On Sunday, the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) called on the government to provide a Sh20,000 monthly permanent risk allowance to nurses who are on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19.
The union's Secretary General Seth Panyako noted that a majority of the nurses who are battling the virus have so far been infected, hence the need for the risk allowance.
Kenya has seen a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, with 690 new infections reported on August 2, bringing the total number of cases to 22,053.
Five more patients succumbed to the virus, raising the total number of fatalities to 369.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe reiterated the government's commitment to the safety of medical workers, saying their welfare is well safeguarded.
