A Medical doctor at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH), Dr. Joe Sampaney has on the day to create awareness for kidney diseases, called on patients, government, and concerned stakeholders to help support kidney disease patients who are financially constrained.
He notes that dialysis treatment for kidney patients is cost-effective which normally takes a big toll on the patient and also their families.
“So that’s the limitation we have but as part of the awareness creation, we want people to get on board to sponsor people with these conditions, because most of them have been doing this for like, more than five years, and they can take a big toll on your financial budget, so we want people to get onboard to help some of our patients” he continued.
The International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundation together observed world kidney day in 2006 and have since been celebrated globally on the 2nd Thursday in March every year.
The day is celebrated to create awareness among people by educating them about their role in maintaining healthy kidneys while preparing for the unexpected and supporting the vulnerable.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with ATLFM NEWS, Dr. Joe Sampaney said it is important to get checked once every 6 months to ensure that one’s kidney is in good health.
To him, that is the major step one can take to help in easy identification of the disease at its early stages which will aid in easy treatment.
He revealed that as kidney disease progresses, one may notice symptoms such as nausea, muscle cramps, and loss of appetite among others.
To this end, he said individuals must take the necessary steps and get screened to avoid the disease getting to dire stages which are highly cost-effective.
Good eating habits, regular exercise, and avoiding too much intake of drugs are also measures individuals can take to guard against the disease.
The World Kidney Day Joint Steering Committee has declared 2023 to be the year of “Kidney Health for All – Preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable!”
The 2023 campaign will focus on raising awareness about disastrous events, natural or man-made, international or local, and their impact on people living with kidney disease whose access to appropriate diagnostic services, treatment, and care is hindered.
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Source: Comfort Sweety Hayford/ATLFMNEWS
