By Asmau Ahmad
The Nigeria Association of Nephrology (NAN) has revealed that about 20 million Nigerians are presently living with chronic kidney diseases.
They also said over 10 per cent of Nigerians live with kidney diseases.
The body made the disclosure at the palace of the Sultan of Sokoto and President General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, during a visit to confer an award on him.
He was also appointed as the patron of the body.
The National President of the association, Professor Adenze Asinobi, while decrying the huge cost of treating kidney ailments, described the figure as too alarming when the cost of treatment is considered.
“Moreover, it is a big burden considering the number of people living in rural areas, and who have no access to medical facilities for kidney disease treatment.
“We have the capacity and personnel for the treatment of kidney diseases but we are limited because of the fund factors,” she said.
Prof. Asinobi pointed out that their visit to the sultan was not only for the award conferment but to seek his blessings as the association struggles to fight kidney diseases across the country.
In his welcome speech, Sultan Abubakar tasked the association to sustain preventive advocacy about kidney diseases in the country.
The Sultan said the cost of treating kidney diseases in Nigeria is so high, noting that most people cannot afford it.
He said, “We should all think of subsidising so our brothers and sisters can be able to manage the cost of treating kidney diseases.
“You as medical personnel need to enhance more dedication toward advocating the preventive measures, not on annual bases, but with constant commitment.
“I am confident that sustainable advocacy on the preventive measures will give more opportunity toward safeguarding our people and minimising the increase in the number of patients with kidney disease,” he said.
The sultan, who decried the high cost of treating infections in the country, called on the government to support patients with kidney diseases.
He pledged to work with the association to achieve its desired goals, even as he commended them for the recognition and award.
