In a region plagued by poverty aggravated by almost two decades of a violent insurgency by the Boko Haram terror group, the emergence of a widespread chronic kidney disease severely impacts life expectancy. With chronic kidney disease (CKD) reaching epidemic proportions, the Yobe State Government in north-east Nigeria is pioneering a unique approach to combat this dangerous killer disease. A recent study published by Africa Journal Online showed that the prevalence of CKD is high in the Northern district of Yobe State.
The report indicated that the origin of the disease is “unknown” and recommended further studies “to define environmental or cultural factors that contribute to the high prevalence in this region.” The figures have been alarming, said the Chief Medical Director (CMD) at the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Damaturu, Baba-Waru Goni. The professor said his hospital conducts more than 60 dialysis sessions weekly.
Worried by this dangerous trend, Governor Mai-Mala Buni’s administration recently launched a programme that offers free dialysis to patients and invests in groundbreaking research “aimed at uncovering the root causes of the disease.” While interacting with journalists about the intervention, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Bego Abdullahi, spoke of the governor’s commitment and determination to address the challenge. Since the launch of the intervention, the CMD, Mr Goni, said the hospital conducts an average of 60 free .
