Tributes flow as Dr Adisa is laid to rest in Bungoma

The first doctor to die of Covid-19 in Kenya was buried on Monday in Tongaren, Bungoma County in a brief ceremony attended by members of the medical fraternity.

The 38-year-old Dr Doreen Adisa Lugaliki, who was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) after being admitted to the Aga Khan University Hospital, succumbed to coronavirus, becoming the first doctor to die from the virus.

The medical fraternity joined a few residents and family members to bid Dr Adisa farewell, who until her demise last week worked at Nairobi South Hospital.

The medics who attended the burial eulogised the mother of two as a selfless hero who died after contracting coronavirus while in the line of duty. She died on July 10.

Leaders and mourners who attended the five-hour burial ceremony said the country has lost a young promising medic, who could have treated many other people and assisted the health sector.

Dr Chibanzi Mwachonda, the secretary General to KMPDU, said two more nurses have succumbed to the virus, bring the number of health workers felled by the virus to three.

UNTOLD LOSS

"The pandemic has caused untold loss and we are appealing to the public to take the disease seriously,” he added.

Dr Mwachonda said doctors across the country are taking pictures in black attires and posting them in solidarity with the fallen 'soldier' Dr Adisa.

"We all know that Covid-19 is affecting many organs in the body like the brain, heart and abdominal system, and that means even those who have recovered might develop complications and hence the need for seriousness in handling the pandemic,” he said.

"I want to tell the health workers that this death has brought the reality of the matter at hand, and thus uttermost precaution is needed," he said.

"We want to insist on section 14:2 of the Occupation Safety Act both in public and private sector, where if the working environment is not safe, step aside until the place is safe enough

He said the impact of losing a doctor or a nurse is very devastating to a country, and more efforts must be put in place to prevent such an occurrence in future.

Dr Daisy Korir, KMPDU national treasurer, said the death was a wakeup call to the government on the safety of health workers, who are front runners in the pandemic. "We hope that moving forward more stringent measures will be put in place to help prevent infections among medics," she said.

She said the country risks losing its capacity to handle the upsurge in Covid-19 cases as the diseases claim lives of more health workers.

"As medics, we need to use the equipment given to us correctly and consistently to avoid the risk of contracting the disease," she added.

D. Antony Akoto, chairman KMPDU western region, said the death of Dr Adisa was devastating.

The send- off ceremony was held at Ndalu Friends Church, where the faithful described Dr Adisa as a dedicated medic.

Dr Adisa Lwas born on May 15, 1981. She was the fourth born child of Mr Philemon and Grace Lugaliki of Ndalu settlement scheme, Tong’aren division, Bungoma County.

Ms Grace eulogised her daughter as a strong brilliant sweet girl.

She said life will never be the same for her again as she used to depend on her daughter after she retired from teaching some time ago.

"As a family, we will greatly miss the laughter our daughter created and the unity she always brought in the family," she said amid tears.

Dr Adisa's son Kyle said July 10 was a horrific day that he will never forget.

"My mum passed away sadly and unexpectedly, she was my everything, my best friend, my world. Every day I would smile when she smiled. She would always say that she loved me and I said it back. But this was the worst day ever. I love you mum. You will remain in my heart,” he said.

Her daughter Kyla said that as a medic, her mother has saved several lives and her services will be missed by many.

“The fact that my mother's life was abruptly taken away by Covid-19 leaves me in a faze, and we will miss her,” she added.