Challenges and Preventive Strategies for Chronic Kidney Disease in Ghana
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a growing health issue in Ghana, especially among the youth, due to high treatment costs. Dr. Elliot Koranteng Tannor highlights diabetes and hypertension as key contributors. A recent free dialysis initiative was halted due to financial issues, prompting calls for increased focus on education and early prevention measures in government policy.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a significant health issue in Ghana, affecting many individuals, particularly the youth. The increasing prevalence is alarming, and patients face considerable financial burdens due to the high costs associated with treatments like dialysis, which is vital for kidney failure.
Dr. Elliot Koranteng Tannor, nephrologist and Senior Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, has identified diabetes and hypertension as major contributors to rising CKD cases. According to Dr. Tannor, non-communicable diseases are now the leading cause of death in Ghana, displacing infections such as tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria.
He emphasized that nearly one out of four adults over the age of 18 suffer from hypertension, with even higher rates in specific regions, urging the populace to limit salt intake as it exacerbates this condition. Dr. Tannor advised against waiting for hypertension to develop before reducing salt consumption, advocating for incorporating daily activities as a form of exercise instead.
The health risks associated with aphrodisiac use among the youth were also highlighted, with Dr. Tannor warning of potential dangers to kidney health. He expressed concern about individuals taking unidentified substances that they do not fully understand, particularly the long-term impact on kidney function.
Despite the availability of subsidized dialysis services in public hospitals, challenges persist, including overwhelming demand. Recently, a significant increase in dialysis costs at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital from GH¢380 to GH¢765.42 provoked public outrage, leading to a review of the proposed pricing.
In December 2024, the previous government announced a free dialysis treatment program, implemented in 40 health institutions and financed by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). This initiative was designed to alleviate costs for individuals with kidney disease and was successful during its pilot phase. However, the current administration has since put this program on hold, citing financial challenges and a lack of ongoing funding sources beyond the program’s expiration date.
As Ghana recognizes World Kidney Day with the theme, “Are your kidneys, ok?”, it is imperative for the government to elevate kidney health care. Initiatives should focus on public education about hypertension and diabetes risk factors and provide proactive screening programs to enhance health outcomes and affordable healthcare access, guided by the ‘Mahama Cares’ initiative.
Chronic kidney disease remains a pressing health concern in Ghana, particularly among young individuals. The primary contributors, diabetes and hypertension, demand urgent public health interventions and education to mitigate risk factors. With challenges in affordability and access to necessary treatment, it is essential for the government to implement effective policies and initiatives aimed at promoting kidney health and ensuring all citizens have access to affordable care.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
