As part of efforts to create awareness on the increasing burden of kidney diseases worldwide, a senior staff nurse and a nephrology nurse at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Christopher Kpakpo is asking Ghanaians to do the needful to keep their kidneys alive and healthy.
Kidneys are vital organs responsible for the bodily function of maintaining a proper balance of fluids in the body and getting rid of toxins and wastes.
The 10th of March every year has been set aside to observe World Kidney day to create a global awareness on the importance of the human kidney and to reduce the occurrence of kidney diseases and its impact on patients.
In Ghana, it is estimated that about 7,000 people between the ages of 25 and 50 develop end-stage renal failure every year with about 95 percent dying because they don’t get treatment.
According to Mr. Kpakpo, priority given to one’s kidney could reduce the death rate in the country.
Prominent among the causes of kidney diseases he explained are diabetes and hypertension. Others he said include low potassium levels in humans, unhealthy eating habits, and excessive alcohol among others.
He, therefore, urged individuals to take advantage of the many laboratories with the necessary facilities in the country to get their kidneys tested for early interventions to be made where necessary.
“We should also drink plenty of water, and avoid unprescribed painkillers and over-the-counter drugs, he added.
The 2022 World Kidney Day as declared by the World Kidney Day Joint Steering Committee is focused on the theme “Kidney Health for All”.
The campaign for this year will highlight efforts to increase education and awareness about kidney health as well as bridging the knowledge gap to enhance kidney care.
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Source: Vera Siripi/ATLFMNEWS
