Newsline
aff
St Uniting
Issue 7.
21/05/2020
KNH LAUNCHES MASS COVID-19 TESTING FOR STAFF By Sheila Muriithi
A
s a response to this complex global pandemic, many companies have come together to protect livelihoods and minimize potential social and economic setbacks. Parts of their initiatives have been directed to the health workers who have been at the front line of the COVID-19 fight and as such they are exposed to hazards that put them at risk of infection. Hazards include pathogen exposure, long working hours, psychological distress, fatigue, occupational burnout, stigma and physical violence. KNH was honored to host various individuals from these organizations in the past week: Sarova Hotels Kenya showed support to frontline healthcare workers at KNH by providing highly nutritious meals that would continuously energize staff during the COVID-19 pandemic for 30 days. CEO KNH, Dr. Evanson Kamuri received the packed meals on behalf of staff in KNH & Mbagathi from the Sarova Managing Director-Jimi Kariuki, a gesture that
he greatly appreciated. A plate of food is never just a meal. It is a plate of hope: a message from the community that someone, somewhere cares. This is the mantra posed by Nyama Mama, part of the Good Earth Group who came up with the campaign #MamaToTheRescue to help celebrate front-liners who risk their lives to keep everyone safe. The team visited KNH and brought delicious meals for the staff to boost their spirit and keep them strong as they do their best to help those affected by the disease. Delmonte Kenya Limited, a company that operates in the cultivation, production and canning of pineapple products donated 7,140 canned pineapples to KNH health workers. The team that was led by HR Manager Mr. Gerald Matoke, said that eating fruits helps to boost your immune system, thus making it easier to fight off the infections. The team’s response effort is to make sure they leave no one behind. As doctors, nurses and other essential staff are working tirelessly to ensure patients
CEO KNH, Dr. Evanson Kamuri receiving the canned pineapples from Gerald Matoke, Delmonte Kenya Limited
KNH staff receiving lunch provided by Sarova Hotels
overcome the infection, they would want to help them remain healthy by eating fruits. Increasing work demands mean that the health workers’ feelings of duty towards their patients are sometimes in direct conflict with self care. Due to the long working hours and fatigue most health workers miss a meal or two or hardly notice the time passing by. “Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” – Jackie Chan. We truly appreciate the resourcefulness of these organizations.
KNH Catering team taking stock of the lunch delivered by Sarova Hotels