Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, has called for urgent bill to support people living with kidney diseases in the country.
Obasanjo added that relevant security agencies should assist in curbing organ trafficking, especially cadaveric donations.
Obasanjo spoke at the 36th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the National Association of Nephrology with the theme: “Optimising Dialysis Therapy To Prolong Survival,” held at the main auditorium of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun state capita.
He commended the body for its work with regards to advocacy, screening, enlightenment and periodic collaborations with a view to reducing prevalence of the disease, especially among youth and children.
“This is the 30th meeting of the Nephrology Association of Nigeria and it is my delight to commend your association for its work with regards to advocacy, screening, enlightenment and periodic collaborations with a view to reducing the prevalence of the disease among our people, especially among youth and children.
“From available reports, 1 out of 7, that is, about 15% of adult Nigerians have kidney failure which cannot be reversed and is life-threatening if left untreated,” he said.
“I have also been informed that the prevalence of kidney failure in Africa is higher than anywhere else in the world as an average African is four times more likely to develop kidney problem than a Caucasian or Mediterranean race.”
