As Malawi on 12th February has joined the rest of the world in commemorating kidney day, the government has been requested to increase the number of dialysis centers across the country.
Currently only government facilities of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (Blantyre) and Kamuzu Central Hospital (Lilongwe) are providing free dialysis services to patients.
In a joint statement, Malawi Health Equity Network MEHN and Kidney Foundation KF, said kidney disease which is often referred to as a “silent killer” is becoming an increasing public health concern as such needs much attention.
According to the statement kidney disease is called silent killer due to its negative effects of quality of life making early detection very critical. Currently Malawi has at least 500 patients battling kidney disease.
Signed by MEHN executive director George Jobe and KF chairperson Fannuel Tapani and others, the statement propose extending the service to the Lower Shire, Balaka, Nkhotakota and Karonga districts.
Jobe said this year’s theme ‘Kidney health for all- caring for people, protecting the Planet’, highlights the urgent need to promote activities in kidney health and ensure equitable access to health care for those who are already suffering saying it has been aligned, as there is a direct connection between human health and the environment.
He also commended the government of Malawi for the inclusion in its budget the construction of a new dialysis center at Mzuzu saying expansion of treatment is very critical.
“Expansion of treatment is very critical but as this is happening there is need to also emphasize on prevention so that we reduce the numbers that are increasing every year”, added Jobe.
He has therefore asked government to make sure it promotes awareness on the matter and encourage regular screening especially to those that are at risk.
In a separate statement, the ministry of health’s principal secretary responsible for administration attributed the risk of kidney injury to diabetes, Hypertension, HIV and exposure to nephrotoxic substance among others.
According to the Ministry of health, kidney disease affect over 850 million people globally with Chronic Kidney Disease CKD expected to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2040.
Chisamile therefore encouraged Malawians to maintain a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, physical activity, limiting exposure to harmful substances, controlling weight, and avoiding unregulated herbal medicines.
World Kidney Day is observed annually on the second Thursday of March, to raise awareness on importance of kidneys and reducing the burden of kidney disease.
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