This archive report was first published on 5 August 2020.
On August 3, 2020, Dr. Amakove Wala, the former CEO of the Kenya Medical Association, finally emerged from isolation after a 12-day battle with COVID-19.
When she tested positive, Dr. Wala was thrown into a panic mode, worried about her babies. To ensure their routine was not disrupted, she adopted the current mode of holding meetings online using Zoom to catch up with them.
However, it was her selfless househelp, Susan, who played a crucial role in her recovery. Susan risked her own health to nurse Dr. Wala, enduring stigma from their neighbors in the process.
"I owe this lady my life. She risked her own health to nurse me. She endured stigma from neighbours," Dr. Wala said, expressing her gratitude to Susan.
Susan not only nursed Dr. Wala but also counselled her children, who did not understand what was happening to their mother and why she was isolating.
Dr. Wala discharged herself from isolation after 12 days of not displaying any COVID-19 related symptoms, including chills, fever, and muscle aches for three consecutive days.
"I am done with this nasty bug. I have gained my freedom. I have discharged myself from home-based care," Dr. Wala said, relieved to have overcome the virus.
