Kenyatta National Hospital’s Renal Unit Head Dies of Covid-19

The Kenyan medical fraternity is mourning the death of another medical doctor who died from Covid-19.

Dr. Anthony Were Omollo, the head of the Renal Unit at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) succumbed to the disease on Friday night.

The kidney specialist died while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital, where he had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for 10 days.

Confirming his passing, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) described Dr. Were as a teacher and mentor to many.

“KMPDU mourns the loss of eminent nephrologist Prof A J O Were who has succumbed to COVID-19 complications. He was the president of the African Association of Nephrology & Deputy Director of the East African Kidney Institute. A teacher & mentor to many, he leaves a great legacy,” said KMPDU.

Were, 64, previously served as a senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi, consultant physician, and nephrologist. KMPDU secretary-general Chibanzi Mwachonda said Dr. Were was re-admitted to ICU due to Covid-19 complications.

Some 2,352 Kenyan healthcare workers have contracted Covid-19 in the country so far, according to records by the Health Ministry.

On Monday, KMPDU issued a 21-day strike notice following an increase in deaths of frontline health workers.

They have made a number of demands to the government including the provision of comprehensive medical cover to all doctors, payment of call allowances to all doctors, employment of at least 2,000 doctors on permanent and pensionable terms, enhancement of risk allowance, provision of adequate and standard PPEs in all healthcare facilities, and a dedicated health facility in each county for treatment of health workers who catch Covid-19.