World kidney day: Abia post transplant persons solicit govt aid as price of drugs skyrockets
* Nephrologist, Okwuonu calls for testing equipment in health centres
By Steve Oko
Abia State Post Transplant Persons Association of Nigeria (ASPTPAN), an association of people who had undergone kidney transplant, has passionately appealed to Government and corporate organizations to help in making life-saving medications available and affordable to its members.


The appeal, according to the body, has become necessary following the inability of majority of its members to afford their medications as a result of the biting economic hardship and the high foreign exchange rate.
President of the Association, Professor Remy O. Mejeha; and Secretary, Dr Clement Ifenkoronye, in their remarks during the commemoration of this year’s World Kidney Day in Umuahia, said that unless there were quick intervention, post kidney transplant persons in the state might not survive for too long.
They appealed to Gov. Alex Otti, to come to their rescue as the high exchange rate has put them on the death roll as their maintenance drugs have become unaffordable.

Professor Mejeha who gave the theme of this year’s celebration as:”Kidney Health For All” with the sub-theme:”Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice”, bemoaned the plight of Nigerians depending on life-saving medications in the face of the worsening economic situation.
Giving some tips on how to maintain kidney health, he said:”Drink adequate amount of water at least three litres per day.”
He further said:”Urinate promptly when the urge arises. Avoid postponing urinating for extended periods
“Avoid over the counter medications. See a licensed physician for prescriptions as many medications are injurious to the kidneys when used indiscriminately. Avoid indiscriminate consumption of herbal concoctions.
“Ensure regular check ups with your physician ensuring that your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure are optimal.
“Hypertensive patients and diabetics should ensure that they take their medications as prescribed and their blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure are within normal values.
“Eat a balanced diet with adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables. Exercise at least 30 minutes on most days of the week – at least four times a week.
In his remark, ASPTPAN Secretary, Dr Ifenkoronye, urged Government to consider the plights of post transplant persons, and take urgent action to prevent their early graves.
“A number of persons have had to undergo Kidney transplant- the definitive treatment for End Stage Renal Disease, a condition where the kidneys fail to function effectively.
“These people need lifelong medications to ensure proper functioning of the kidneys as well as prevent the body from rejecting these transplanted kidneys and indeed, any transplanted organ.
“These medications are very expensive to procure putting the kidneys at risk. With the present exponential increase in the dollar as against the naira, the costs are astronomical indeed.
“Many post transplant persons are battling Kidney rejection and death as a result of inability to procure medications.”
Dr Ifenkoronye urged members of the public to always go for kidney screening to ensure their kidneys are not at risk, and for early detection of any kidney-related ailments for proper management.
He noted that kidneys are vital organs that should not be toyed with.
“Kidneys are vital to life. They perform essential services in mammals which include; excretion of foreign substances/waste products, regulation of the pH and water, production of blood, hormonal substances etc.
“They are indeed vital to life and it is important that they be kept healthy for optimal performance.
In his remark, Consultant Nephrologist and former Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Abia State, Dr Chimezie Okwuonu, identified kidney diseases as the leading cause of death among adolescents in Nigeria.

According to him, one out of every 10 adults in Nigeria, are at the risk of developing kidney diseases.
Dr Okwuonu who is one of the two Africans recently given a task on kidney health by the International Society of Nephrology, cautioned against lifestyles such as use of bleaching creams and soaps that could predispose people to kidney disease.
The former NMA boss called for the revamping of General hospitals to have equipment to detect kidney failure and initiate treatment.
He also said that “comprehensive primary health centers need to be equipped with simple tools to screen for kidney disease.”
Dr Okwuonu advocated preventive measures such as knowledge and good control of hypertension, diabetes, improved sanitation and drinking of clean water.
He further charged relevant regulatory agencies to ensure licences to manufacture drugs and foods were not abused as consumption of such products could have serious implications on kidney health.
There was awareness campaign including radio programme to educate the public on kidney health.
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