In commemoration of this year’s Kidney Day, nephrologists want everyone to begin to take action towards the protection of their kidneys.
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs in the human renal system which help to remove wastes, controls the body’s fluid balance and keep the right levels of electrolytes.
The inability of the kidneys to perform these roles leads to a problem in the body.
The essence of the World Kidney Day is to create awareness about kidney diseases, prevention and early detection.
Consultant Pediatric Nephrologist, Dr Adanze Ashinobi noted that many people were disadvantaged as regards kidney diseases in the country hence the need for the screening which was organised as part of activities for the day.
“Prevention is better than cure and that is even more pertinent with kidney diseases because it is cost-intensive. The developed countries spend 2 to 3 per cent of their GDP on the care of kidney patients, a small proportion that have reached the end-stage”, she explained.
Dr Ashinobi said Nigeria has the expertise to care for those with kidney problems but less than 5 per cent of those who come to the hospital could afford treatment and management.
In the same vein, another Consultant Nephrologist, Professor Ayodeji Arije, urged every Nigerian with a healthy kidney to ensure that it stays so.
Emphasis was also laid on eating healthy as excessive salt and protein intake have been linked to kidney problem.
Other diseases that could damage the kidneys include High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Covid-19 and Hepatitis.
Those who benefited from the free screening called for more of such program.
The theme for this year’s World Kidney Day is “ Kidney health for everyone everywhere – from prevention to detection and equitable access to care ”.
Anthonia Akanji
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