Agency
A Consultant Physician and Nephrologist, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Dr Ayoola Odeyemi, says collective measures that involve patients, healthcare providers and government are required to reduce the burden of kidney morbidity and mortality in Nigeria.
He also said there are about 35 to 40 nephrologists in Lagos State, while some states have two, warning that the number of specialists is grossly inadequate to manage the increasing burden of kidney disease among citizens.
He made the assertion during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos in commemoration of World Kidney Day 2024 marked annually on the second Thursday of March.
NAN reports that the day aims at raising awareness of the importance of the kidney to overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and associated health problems globally.
The 2024 theme is ‘Kidney Health for All- Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice’.
Odeyemi, who is also the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, said the prevalence of kidney diseases in the country is 30 per cent, adding that many people are living with undiagnosed kidney diseases.
He underscored the importance of early detection, noting that it improves the chances of receiving effective treatment and preventing kidney failure.
The specialist Chronic Kidney Disease is often irreversible, while Acute Kidney Disease may be reversed with treatment if detected early.
Odeyemi appealed to physicians to have a high index of suspicion to pick kidney disease symptoms in patients and refer them to a nephrologist for prompt treatment.
He urged the government to evolve appropriate legislation to ensure affordable care, noting that most kidney patients pay for treatment out-of-pocket.
Odeyemi also appealed for the integration of comprehensive kidney care in the National Health Insurance Act, lamenting that kidney dialysis was not adequately catered for.
He added, “The health insurance made provision for only six sessions of kidney dialysis per year for each patient, whereas most patients with kidney failure or end-stage renal disease require four to five sessions per week.
“Each dialysis session costs about N50,000, which is a huge financial burden for kidney patients.”
Odeyemi also urged Health Management Organisations to embrace renal care in their service, adding, “Nigerian Association of Nephrology is appealing to well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of kidney patients because there are lots of needless deaths.”
He noted that many CKD patients in Nigeria die within three to six months of undergoing dialysis, compared to advanced countries where the survival could be over 20 years.
The expert also called for sustainable funding for kidney care, including transplants at the federal and state levels.
He noted that NAN was advocating for relative donors as against the commercialisation of the kidney for transplant, adding that it was unethical and exploitative.
According to him, the association is working in collaboration with the government on appropriate legislation and regulations for kidney transplants.
He advised kidney patients to visit LASUTH for transplant, noting that the hospital is equipped with the latest technology and has recorded successes in kidney transplants.
On the financial cost of kidney transplant and investigation in the country, Odeyemi disclosed that it ranges between N16 million to N20 million at health facilities, while the cost of medication post-surgery in the first year costs about four to five million naira but reduces after the first year.
Odeyemi emphasised that the best hope for reducing the human and economic costs of kidney disease lies in prevention and called for intensive awareness and education at the grassroots.
The specialist advised people to embrace a healthy lifestyle, control their blood pressure and sugar levels, refrain from overusing painkillers, and eat healthy diets with minimal salt, sugar and fat, among others.
(NAN)
