benin city – As Edo State joined others in marking the 2016 World Kidney Day, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Aihanuwa Eregie identified Kidney disease as a major cause of death worldwide.
Declaring open an awareness/enlightment programme organised by the state branch of Nephrology Association of Nigeria in Benin City, Dr. Eregie said that kidney disease is a growing problem in Nigeria affecting approximately 36.8 million Nigerians, with reported prevalence rates of 12.4 – 27%.
The Health Commissioner who spoke through the State Director for Primary Health Care (PHC), Dr. Eghe Abe said that the annual event is celebrated worldwide with series of activities to raise awareness on kidney disease which affects millions of people, including many children who may be at risk at early age.
Dr. Eregie Stated that the theme of this year’s celebration; “Kidney Disease and Children. Act Early to Prevent it” was very apt as many people are not aware that there can be kidney disease in children. The Commissioner pointed out that Edo State Government has made it a policy to increase awareness on the negative effects of risk factors for the disease.”
She announced that Edo State Government has established free diabetes screening centres in the three Central Hospitals in Benin City, Uromi and Auchi, while advising the people to made use of the facilities, adding, “early detection goes a long way in preventing permanent kidney disease.”
In her lecture, the Programme Focal Person Co-ordinator, Dr. (Mrs.) Nosa Iduoriyekemwen, a Consultant Paediatric Nephrologists at UBTH, Benin City said that World Kidney Day celebration was to raise awareness about kidney disease, know the risk factors of kidney damage, as well as how it can be prevented.
She stated that excessive smoking and alcohol, habitual intake of analgesic as well as chronic use of bleaching creams and soap were harmful practices that can increase the risk of kidney disease.
According to her, monitoring of blood pressure, keeping of regular control of blood sugar level, eating healthy and keeping weight in check as well as regular general health screening at least once a year are ways to prevent kidney disease.
High point of the event was kidney screening of school children, distribution of poster and hand bills to create the needed awareness of kidney disease in the State.
