The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Prof. Fatiu Arogundade, has raised concern over the growing burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Nigeria, calling for increased public awareness, early detection and improved access to treatment.
Arogundade, a professor of medicine and nephrology, made the call on Tuesday while delivering the 430th inaugural lecture of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
In his lecture titled, “The Burden, Barriers, Bottlenecks and Breakthroughs in the Management of Kidney Disease in Nigeria: A Journey from the Grassroots to the Frontiers,” the medical expert said kidney disease was affecting Nigerians during their economically productive years, making it a major public health and economic concern.
He said CKD was estimated to affect about one-fifth of the population, although many affected persons may not show obvious symptoms at an early stage.
Arogundade therefore urged the Federal Government to integrate kidney care into the country’s primary healthcare system, with emphasis on awareness, prevention and early diagnosis.
He also recommended routine screening for kidney disease among children and young people, suggesting that screening could be introduced at pre-admission stages from nursery schools through tertiary institutions.
The nephrologist further called for improved awareness and screening for major risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as prompt treatment of infections that may contribute to kidney damage.
He advised Nigerians to avoid recognised risk factors, including smoking, indiscriminate use of painkillers, unguarded use of local herbal concoctions and exposure to environmental toxins such as hydrocarbons.
Arogundade also called for the development of a national kidney care policy that would provide a coordinated framework for kidney treatment and establish standards for care across the country
He stressed the need to improve access to life-saving treatments, particularly dialysis and kidney transplantation, so that patients can receive necessary care regardless of their financial status or location.
The Vice Chancellor’s recommendations come amid wider concerns about access to specialist healthcare services in Nigeria and the need to strengthen preventive healthcare and medical infrastructure.
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