National Nurses Association of Kenya (NNAK) has come out to address the rising numbers of COVID-19 cases amongst nurses and other healthcare workers across the country – By Gerald Gekara.
As of 28th July 2020, Kenya has recorded 500 Coronavirus cases amongst healthcare workers across the country.
Eight of these workers are reported to have succumbed to the virus. In terms of counties, Nairobi has lost five (5) of its health workers, Wajir (1), Kajiado (1), Mombasa County (1).
The association through its chair, Alfred Obengo has demanded the government to provide its workers with adequate personal protective equipment to curb the spread.
“We are calling upon both the national and county governments to move with speed and ensure that healthcare workers have adequate quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs)” he said.
Alfred Obengo also called for the Ministry of health to hire more health workers, and train them on handling COVID-19 cases.
He added that nurses need adequate psychosocial support, vowing to fight for better working environment for health workers.
“As the National Nurses Association of Kenya, we remain committed to advocating and lobbying for an improved working environment for our members.”
Adengo also reminded Kenyans on the need to uphold the Ministry of Health guidelines in order to fight off coronavirus.
“We would also like to ask our members and the public to adhere to the key safety precautions of COVID-19 which include wearing a mask, washing hands and practicing social distancing.” he concluded.
