Rising Kidney Disease in Nigeria: Urgent Action Needed, Says Nephrology Report

The Nigerian Association of Nephrology revealed that kidney disease is becoming increasingly prevalent in Nigeria, with approximately 11% of Nigerians affected. This concerning trend was highlighted during a conference in Maiduguri, where Jacob Awobusuyi, the national president of the association, emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts to tackle the rising burden of kidney disease in the country.

The conference, which focused on addressing the challenges faced by Nigeria's healthcare system, brought together nephrologists, nurses, healthcare professionals, traditional leaders, and other key stakeholders in renal care. Ibrahim Ummat, the chairman of the local organizing committee, identified hypertension and diabetes as leading causes of kidney disease in Nigeria, citing factors such as the use of herbal medicines, indiscriminate consumption of drugs, and exposure to pesticides as contributing risks.

The conference participants explored strategies to enhance awareness, clinic capacity, and collaboration among stakeholders to mitigate the growing burden of kidney disease in the country.