Dadaab MP Dr Mohamed Dahiye has urged Garissa residents to strictly adhere to the Ministry of Health Covid-19 protocols.
Speaking publicly for first time since his recovery after contracting Covid-19 Dr Dahiye said that the disease is real and claiming lives.
“Those having imaginations of the disease should know that it is real and killing people. Take extra precaution and adhere strictly to the ministry of health protocols on Covid-19,” Dr Dahiye said.
“I almost gave up on life after spending seven days in Intensive Care Unit. It was a distressful 35 days on oxygen in hospital over breathing difficulties,” he added.
Dr Dahiye who was in the same facility with the first Kenyan doctor who succumbed to the virus said he is shocked how some of Garissa town residents are moving around in crowded places without face masks.
The legislator thanked his family, friends as well as residents of his constituency for following up on his health during his stay in hospital.
He said the disease is even worse and severe for aging people and others with underlying ailments including blood pressure, diabetes amongst others.
On Friday last week, Garissa county health department in partnership with Kenya Red Cross launched mass testing in Garissa town.
Speaking during the launch at Garissa primary school playgrounds, the county director of health, preventive and promotive Mohamed Dagane urged the ministry of health to decentralise testing of Covid-19.
Dagane said it’s been a challenge collecting samples and sending them to Nairobi adding that it is quite expensive and cumbersome.
“The tests results take at least 5 to 7 days. Those tested sometimes become anxious and by the time we receive the test they would have disappeared,” Dagane said.
The director emphasised the need for Kenyans to test and know their Covid-19 status.
By Jacob Songok
