An 80-year-old retired nurse left the comfort of her house to join the fight against Covid-19 in Voi, Taita Taveta County stating that she was propelled to help due to the shortage of nurses in the country.
Mama Mary Ngina stated that she was overwhelmed by how nurses were contracting Coronavirus from patients who can exercise precaution by learning how to protect themselves at home and in the streets.
"As a retired nurse, it is immoral to sit idle as medics in hospitals across Kenya get overwhelmed by the surging cases of Covid-19. I must support my fellow nurses to battle the corona pandemic.
"This is everyone’s war. It feels wrong to enjoy my comfort at home while my nursing training is needed out here. My skills can help to fight this disease,” Mama Ngina stated on Thursday, July 23.
The octogenarian defied her doctor's advice coupled with guidelines stipulated by the Ministry of Health to have the elderly stay at home as they are vulnerable to contracting the disease.
However, according to her, her passion to save people and the oath she took while young pushed her to assist curb the spread of the disease.
She argued that she had decided to teach the younger generation how to be considerate of their aging relatives who are vulnerable to the disease.
The health practitioner supports herself with a walking stick while creating public awareness in Voi. She also has an aide who drives her to town and back.
Mama Ngina shares printed pamphlets containing Covid-19 messages and has also distributed soaps and sanitizers to boda boda riders, markets and churches.
Voi residents lauded her for her efforts which they say have enabled them to exercise caution. Ngina worked as an ancillary nurse at MP Shah Hospital from 1966 to 1973 before moving to Starehe Boys Center as a chaperon.
As of Friday, July 24, Kenya recorded 16, 268 positive Covid-19 cases, 274 fatalities and 7,446 recoveries.
