By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri
Apparently perturbed by the high increase in kidney disease, the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) converges in Maidiguri, the Borno state capital, primarily to address the scourge.
Briefing Journalists on Tuesday after the end of their 4- Day Annual General Meeting and Scientific Confrence which to took place at the Auditorium Hall, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), the National President of the Association, Professor Jacob Olugbenga Awobusuyi who lamented over the increasing cases of kidney disease, with over 11% of Nigerians population are infected with the disease.
He noted that with 1 out of every 10 Nigerian population affected or infected is worrisome, hence, the gathering of Doctors, Nurses, Medical Health workers, Traditional rulers and other stakeholders specialised in managing people infected with Kidney disease of various forms provides a platform for rich scientific exchange, practical training, and policy dialogue, which will examine innovative approaches to dialysis and transplantation, preventive nephrology, community-based screening, task-shifting, and
sustainable financing models.
Themed; “Kidney Health in a Resource-Limited Environment,” Professor Awobusuyi said, is timely, as it speaks directly to their collective experience as healthcare professionals, stressing that, across Nigeria and much of Africa, NAN continued to work in settings characterized by limited infrastructure, inadequate funding, workforcenshortages, and unequal access to care, yet, despite these challenges, the Association under his leadership have remained innovative, resilient, and committed to excellence.
On the sub-theme: “Chronic Kidney Disease in Women”, the National President highlights a critical
and often under-recognized public health concern, whereby Women face uniquebbiological, social, and economic challenges that affect their access to kidney care, adding that, Pregnancy-related kidney disorders, autoimmune
diseases, delayed presentation, and financial dependency contribute to poorer outcomes.
“By focusing on this issue, we reaffirm our commitment to gender-sensitive, equitable, and inclusive renal healthcare. This conference had provided a platform for rich scientific exchange, practical training, and policy dialogue. We have examine innovative approaches to dialysis and transplantation, preventive nephrology, community-based screening, task-shifting, and sustainable financing models.
“We had also explore how digital health solutions, partnerships, and local innovations can expand
access to renal services”. Professor Awobusuyi stated.
Also speaking, the Chairman Local Organizing Committee of the Conference, who is the Director of the Kidney Centre at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ibrahim Ummate thanked Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state for providing an enabling environment for the successful and fruitful conference.
He explained that, Major causes of of kidney disease are people with High Blood Pressure (Hipertention), Diabetics, habitual taking herbal or traditional medicine and consuming over-the-counter drugs, women using bleaching creams, spraying Insecticides and Pesticides on agricultural products such as beans, vegetables among other consumables.
He therefore cautioned that people with such habits or characteristics should be careful for not to be infected with the disease.
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