Medical expert calls for regular screening in fight against kidney disease

folarin okunola

June 30, 2015 1:58 PM

She said an effective screening of all communities in the country, similar to what obtains in the United States, United Kingdom and Japan, would help check the rising cases of the disease.

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In the wake of rising Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) cases, Nigerians have been advised to participate in regular screening to wane the occurrence of the disease.

The call was made by consultant physician at the College of Medicine, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Ifeoma Isabella Ulasi as she called for regular nationwide health screening to document the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.

She said an effective screening of all communities in the country, similar to what obtains in the United States, United Kingdom and Japan, would help check the rising cases of the disease.

In addition, she pointed out that a national health framework for a survey every 5 or 10 years for the purpose of documenting the epidemiology of non-communicable diseases would assist government’s health reforms.

She stated that Nigeria should have a veritable national health bill, which must include renal care policy and transplantation act while continuous organised awareness campaigns should be embarked upon by government or NGOs to educate the masses on the importance of periodic screening and medical check-up.

Ulasi further stressed that the campaigns should target such lifestyle factors that are within the individual’s control, as well as emphasise the importance of a clean environment saying “use of herbal medications, self-medication and consultation of non-qualified medical personnel should be discouraged.”

folarin okunola