Consultant physician and nephrologist, Dr. Ebun Bamgboye, has stressed the importance of early detection, healthy lifestyle choices, and preventive healthcare in reducing the growing burden of kidney disease in Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview with Arise News to mark World Kidney Day, Bamgboye, Head of the Dialysis and Transplant Unit at St. Nicholas Hospital, highlighted the prevalence of kidney disease and the urgent need for increased awareness and preventive action
He noted that kidney disease remains a significant global health challenge, affecting an estimated 10 percent of the world’s population, with higher risks recorded among people of African descent.
Bamgboye said several of the conditions that lead to kidney failure are widespread in Nigeria, particularly hypertension, diabetes, and chronic infections that cause long term inflammation of the kidneys.
He explained that the challenge is worsened by the fact that many people living with these conditions are unaware of their health status.
He said, “It’s estimated at about 10 percent worldwide, but among people in Black African populations the percentage is even higher. We believe Black people are about four times more prone to kidney disease than others.”
According to him, many kidney related illnesses can be detected early through simple medical checks such as blood pressure monitoring and urine tests.
Bamgboye emphasised that the presence of protein in urine, often indicated by foamy urine, swelling of the legs, facial puffiness, and fatigue, may signal kidney damage, although such symptoms often appear in advanced stages of the disease.
He therefore encouraged Nigerians to adopt regular medical screening, particularly as they grow older.
He advised, “At your 40th birthday, give yourself a birthday present go and check your blood pressure, check your blood sugar, and make sure a urine test is done to detect any abnormalities.”
Bamgboye also highlighted several lifestyle measures necessary to protect kidney health, including drinking adequate water, controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and avoiding harmful substances.
He warned against the misuse of strong painkillers and unregulated herbal mixtures, which he said could damage the kidneys over time.
He stated, “You should not self medicate. Many analgesics and some herbal mixtures can damage the kidneys and lead to what we call toxic nephropathies.”
The nephrologist further cautioned against the use of bleaching creams containing mercury, explaining that prolonged exposure to such substances could also harm kidney function.
On diet and lifestyle, Bamgboye advised Nigerians to reduce excessive salt intake and avoid obesity, noting that the average Nigerian diet often contains far more salt than medically recommended.
He said, “What is recommended is two to three grams of salt per day, but the average Nigerian diet contains about 10 to 12 grams.”
Bamgboye also raised concerns over the high cost and limited availability of dialysis treatment in Nigeria, describing kidney disease as a silent but deadly condition when treatment is inaccessible.
According to him, the cost of dialysis sessions typically ranges between ₦50,000 and ₦100,000 per session, with patients requiring about three sessions each week.
He explained that this translates to as much as ₦600,000 monthly, placing treatment beyond the reach of many Nigerians.
He warned, “If you require dialysis and you don’t get it, within two weeks you will die. That is why prevention and early detection are extremely important.”
Bamgboye therefore called on government authorities and civil society organisations to intensify efforts toward early screening programmes, affordable medications for hypertension and diabetes, and improved access to dialysis treatment.
He said stronger regulations against harmful products and improved public health awareness would also help reduce the rising cases of kidney disease across the country.
Bamgboye added that prioritising prevention and early diagnosis would significantly reduce the number of people progressing to kidney failure and requiring long term dialysis treatment.
Goodness Anunobi
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