World Kidney Day is a health awareness campaign focusing on the importance of the kidneys and overall health as a way of reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease.
The Senate has called on the federal government and other stakeholders to launch an extensive public education campaign to raise awareness about kidney disease prevention, risks and available treatment.
This is as it resolved to call the attention of members of the Committee on Health to lobby for an expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to provide comprehensive coverage for chronic kidney disease patients, ensuring that financial concerns do not need access to essential treatment.
The Red Chamber equally called on the Federal Ministry of Health and other airline ministries to implement infection prevention, training and supervision protocols to safeguard chronic kidney disease patients.
These resolutions were sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina Central) under personal explanation during Tuesday’s plenary.
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The World Kidney Day (WKD) usually observed annually on the 2nd Thursday in March, is a health awareness campaign focusing on the importance of the kidneys and overall health as a way of reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease.
The WKD 2024 which is themed: “Kidney Health For All,” focuses on the increasing burden of chronic kidney disease and achieving optimal kidney care to overcome these challenges at different levels.
In his presentation, Senator Yar’Adua in commemorating this day, disclosed that recent statistics from the Nigerian Association of Nephrology reveal that an alarming 25 million Nigerians are living with kidney disease.
According to him, this calls for urgent attention to address the prevalence of this life-threatening condition and include kidney treatment facilities in our country.
He said, “Chronic kidney disease constitutes about 40% in tertiary hospitals in Nigeria and is a significant contributor to daily hospital admissions.
“The cost of dialysis sessions in Nigeria ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 per session leading to low adherent rates due to financial constraints.
“The alternative to dialysis which is kidney transplant is financially unattainable for many with the cost exceeding 6.5 million naira.
“The National Health Insurance Scheme in Nigeria provides limited coverage for chronic kidney disease patients, highlighting the need for expanded insurance coverage to support this treatment.
“Other states need to be taken to enhance kidney treatment facilities across the country.
“This includes increasing the number of Functional Analysis Centers in tertiary health facilities, ensuring access to diversity treatments even in remote areas, and addressing the shortage of diversity nurses and specialized emissions.
“It is imperative that we act strictly to address the increasing rate of kidney disease by increasing awareness, improving treatment facilities, expanding insurance coverage and supporting infection prevention measures. We can also enhance the quality of life of millions of Latinos affected by chronic kidney disease.”
