University of Nairobi - covid19

UoN don crowned with MBS in fight against COVID-19

enekesa — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 08:43:02 +0000

Monday, December 14, 2020

Dr. Loice Ombajo, a senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi (UoN) was awarded State commendation by President Uhuru Kenyatta during this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations in Nairobi.

Dr. Ombajo was awarded Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) for her dedicated public service and sacrifice in the fight against COVID-19 in Kenya.

In March this year, Dr. Ombajo was appointed as a member of the National COVID-19 task force where she has provided exemplary case management in the country through development of guidelines, training of health care workers through a weekly webinar and consulted by health care workers from all over the country to advise on patient care and public health measures.

She is also a member of the COVID-19 Education task force advising on development of school re-opening protocols.

Dr. Ombajo who also heads the Infectious Disease Unit at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) was at the forefront in the establishment of the COVID-19 treatment units at Mbagathi and KNH.

While receiving the award, the jubilant doctor said she felt so blessed by the recognition and dedicated the award to all healthcare workers for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I feel like this is the moment when God blesses his people. The moment your God uplifts you and makes your spirit feel at peace for what I have done and what my team has done. It is a great honour that is not just for me but represents hundreds and thousands of healthcare workers who have been working very hard during this season to try and offer Kenyans some help.

“I dedicate this award to many healthcare workers and to our families who have supported us during this season. We are greatly honoured and grateful,” Dr. Ombajo said.

During this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations, Dr. Ombajo, Prof. Omu Anzala and Dr. Marybeth Maritim were feted with the Uzalendo Award by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The trio were recognized for their outstanding service in helping the country steer through the Covid-19 pandemic.

covid19, Taskforce, UoN staff

3 UoN staff Feted with the Uzalendo Award

enekesa — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 06:14:21 +0000

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Three UoN staff have been recognized for their outstanding service in helping the country steer through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prof. Omu Anzala, Dr. Loice Achieng’ Ombajo and Dr. Marybeth Maritim were among the 68 kenyans who received the award.

Prof. Omu Anzala

The President recognized 68 Kenyans with the Presidential order of service, Uzalendo award during the 57^th Madaraka day ceremony.

The UoN management congratulates the doctors.

Dr. Loice Achieng Ombajo

Dr. Marybeth Maritim

covid19, Uzalendo award, UoN staff

UoN Experts Draft Covid-19 Response Bill on Behalf of Government

enekesa — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 08:26:26 +0000

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

A team of experts from the University of Nairobi has drafted several legislative proposals to aid government in the management of global pandemic Covid-19.

Prepared by experts drawn from schools of law and medicine as well as Centre for Advanced Studies in Environmental Law and Policy (CASELAP), the Covid-19 Response and Management Draft Bill 2020 among others seeks to protect the rights of citizens during the pandemic. It also protects vulnerable families from hunger by obligating national and county governments to provide food rations and cash transfers to them. This will cushion the vulnerable families from the economic impacts of coronavirus. “Cabinet Secretary responsible for Interior and Coordination of National Government, in coordination with county governments, shall undertake a rapid assessment to map households and individuals facing food insecurity and acute lack of essential supplies and determine, in each case, whether it is appropriate to provide food, essential supplies or periodic cash grants,” the bill proposes.

Addressing the plight of healthcare workers, the draft bill also compels the government to provide life insurance for all healthcare professionals for 12 months, even after the end of the pandemic. Global statistics indicate that while attending to coronavirus patients healthcare workers have ended up contracting the disease or losing their lives.

Touching on employee rights, the draft bill states that, ““Notwithstanding the provisions of the Employment Act, no employer shall terminate, lay off or declare any employee redundant during the pandemic, and for a six-month period thereafter.” This is will be useful given reports that private companies among other organizations are already laying staff or sending others on compulsory unpaid leaves.

On social and psychological support, the document states that, “the Cabinet Secretary responsible for Health shall, deploy a sufficient number of counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists as needed to provide mental health.

The proposals have since been submitted to Attorney General Paul Kihara for government consideration before it can be taken to Parliament.

covid19, UoN experts

Immune System plays key role in recovery from Corona virus

enekesa — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 09:02:27 +0000

With the latest statistics in Kenya as at 25th March 2020 stands at, 0 death, 28 infected with the Corona virus and 1 recovered patient. A UoN expert was interviewed by a local TV station and she highlighted how the immune system plays a key role in recovery from the infection of the virus.

Read the whole article here

corona, covid19, UoN experts, Discourse at UoN