The Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) says 20 million Nigerians have kidney disease while advocating for early detection of the disease.
This was made known by the President of the association, Prof. Ifeoma Ulasi, on Monday at a news conference heralding the association’s 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference, in Ibadan.
According to her, “The prevalence of kidney disease is about eight to 12 percent of the Nigerian population; it could be more, but as you may well know, many of our people don’t report to the hospital on time.
“They would have tried one or two alternative practices like native doctors or turned to spiritual houses to seek attention; we don’t get to see them early, but we believe it is about eight to 12 percent.
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“So, if you work it out, 10 percent will be about 20 million Nigerians having kidney diseases.
“There are so many practices apart from us being genetically predisposed to kidney diseases.
“There are some practices that are not very good for our kidney health; oftentimes, some women use some medicated soaps that contain mercury; this is not good for the kidney,” Ulasi said.
She discouraged the use herbal medications, which are not quantified, while the concentration is unknown.
Ulasi, also stated that early detection as well as government support in terms of policy for renal care would help reduce its prevalence.
