According to medical experts, at least 45,000 Nigerians die every year due to kidney failure, while only 5,000 patients receive the necessary treatment out of the estimated 50,000 in need of dialysis or kidney transplant.
The warning was issued on the occasion of World Kidney Day (WKD) which is celebrated globally on the second Thursday of March each year. Experts noted that kidney damage kills more people than malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS combined. Diabetes, hypertension, bleaching creams, chronic infections, abuse of painkillers, and unregulated herbal remedies are the major causes of chronic kidney disease.
The high cost of kidney transplant in Nigeria was also highlighted, which is around N15 million, as the drugs and components used are still imported and are not covered by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). Additionally, dialysis costs N110,000 per week, while medication costs N20,000. Experts suggested that cadaver kidneys could be used for transplantation as an alternative to living donors.
The WKD Joint Steering Committee has declared 2023 as the year of “Kidney Health for All – Preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable!”. The 2023 campaign will raise awareness about disastrous events and their impact on people living with kidney disease who lack access to appropriate diagnostic services, treatment, and care.
