GhanaWeb Feature by Joycelyn Kyei-Baffuor

Chronic kidney disease, which refers to the gradual loss of kidney function, has emerged as health concern globally, and Ghana is no exception.

Experts have warned of the surge in cases particularly among the youth, with many unable to afford the huge costs of treatments, particularly the costs of dialysis, a life-saving treatment for people with kidney failure.

According to nephrologist and Senior Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology School of Medical Sciences, Dr Elliot Koranteng Tannor, diabetes and hypertension have been identified as primary drivers behind the alarming trend.

He explained that non-communicable diseases have recently emerged as the leading cause of deaths in the country.

"It is very important that we realise now that what is killing us nowadays are not the infections anymore. Gone are the days when we used to worry so much about infections: TB, HIV, malaria, and so on, but in this dispensation now, the so-called non-communicable diseases are the major killers," he stated.

He pointed out that approximately one-in-four adults over 18 years suffer from hypertension, with even higher rates observed in certain regions.

He cautioned the public against the excessive consumption of salt as it exacerbates hypertension, urging individuals to reduce their salt intake to prevent the onset of this condition.

“So, let's cut down our salt. Let's not wait to get hypertension first before we cut down our salt. You might be too busy, and not have time to exercise, but use your daily activities as an exercise," he indicated.

He further advised the youth about the dangers in using aphrodisiacs, particularly its potential consequences on kidney health.

“The aphrodisiac, young men, that's my worry, people don't even know what they are taking, and they are just taking it because it has some potent something that they will give to you.

“And what I say is that as a young man, you keep taking that aphrodisiac, go sleep with those 10, 20 women. Now, when your kidney functions run down, they will leave you and go to somebody who probably has a well-functioning kidney, and probably you will be dead and gone," he noted.

While public hospitals offer the dialysis at relatively subsided costs, there is often pressure at these facilities.

In 2023, there was public uproar when the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, increased the cost of renal dialysis from GH¢380 to GH¢765.42.

The public uproar led the authorities of the KBTH to review the proposed cost of renal dialysis, while stating that the proposed review was only a proposal.

On December 1, 2024, the previous administration announced a free dialysis treatment program for persons with kidney disease in the country, following the successful piloting of the initiative in the last six months earlier.

The initiative, which was funded by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), was carried out by 40 health institutions, including the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Western Regional Hospital, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, and the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

The free dialysis treatment cost between GH¢20million and GH¢57 million, based on the prevalence rate.

However, the current Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has stated that the John Dramani Mahama-led administration had put on hold the free dialysis treatment due to financial constraints, resulting in its conclusion in December 2024.

"The National Health Insurance Formula that covered this expired on December 31, 2024. Beyond that date, there was absolutely nothing like free dialysis because there was no policy or source of funding," he added.

As Ghana joins the rest of the world to commemorate World Kidney Day on the theme, "Are your kidneys, ok?" it is essential for the government to prioritise kidney care through intensified public campaigns on the need to reduce risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes, proactive interventions such as screening programs to enable early detection and prevention to improve health outcomes. This will also improve access to affordable health through the 'Mahama Cares' initiative to address the growing burden of the disease.

JKB/AE

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