An alleged victim of kidney theft, Alhaji Ibrahim Ajibade, has been confirmed dead.
The deceased, it would be recalled, allegedly suffered kidney theft in the hands of Noah Kekere and two others at Murna Clinic and Maternity, Nasarawa Gwong, Jos, all of whom are currently standing trial at the state high court.
The 75-year-old Ajibade was said to be battling with unstable health status since he was surgically touched following a health challenge that had to do with hernia in 2021.
His death came as Nigeria joined the rest of the world Thursday to mark the World Kidney Day (WKD), during which well- meaning Nigerians were urged to help in making life-saving medications available, affordable to save the lives of the citizens.
Also, the Senate Thursday urged the federal government and other stakeholders to launch extensive public awareness campaigns to raise about kidney disease prevention risks and unavailable treatment.
The WKD, usually observed annually on the 2nd Thursday in March, is a health awareness campaign focusing on the importance of the kidneys and overall health as a way of reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease.
…Victim’s death
Confirming Ajibade’s death, his son, Muhammad Sani, said their father died Wednesday and had since been buried according to Islamic rites.
“Baba’s illness continues unabated, since his surgery at Murna Clinic. You know we have discovered that his left kidney was removed, and the matter is still pending in court,” Sani said.
He added that even at the last adjourned date of the court proceedings, the deceased managed to appear as the ill health was hitting him harder.
The Plateau State Government is prosecuting Kekere, Dr. Philip Dachung and a staff of Murna Clinic, Yusuf Abdullahi and others on Ajibade’s behalf, in a suit pending before the State High Court 11.
The prosecutor is accusing Kekere and others of “removing his (Ajibade) left kidney.”
Though the trio are still standing trial, but had since been granted bail.
…Senate on awareness
In a related development, the Senate has urged the federal government and other stakeholders to launch extensive public awareness campaigns about kidney disease prevention risks and unavailable treatment.
The Red Chamber also called the attention of its committee on health to lobby for an expansion of the National Health Insurance Scheme to provide comprehensive coverage for chronic kidney disease patients, ensuring that financial concerns do not need access to essential treatment.
Similarly, it asked the ministries to implement infection prevention, training and supervision protocols to safeguard chronic kidney disease patients.
The Senate resolutions were sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator AbdulAziz Yar’Adua (APC Katsina Central) under personal explanation during the plenary.
Presenting the motion, he said the WKD 2024 which is themed: “Kidney Health For All,” focuses on the increasing burden of chronic kidney disease and achieving optimal kidney care to overcome these challenges at different levels.
According to him, the recent statistics from the Nigerian Association of Nephrology revealed that an alarming 25 million Nigerians are living with kidney disease.
This, Yar’Adua said, “calls for urgent attention to address the prevalence of this life- threatening condition and include kidney treatment facilities in our country.”
“Chronic kidney disease constitutes about 40% in tertiary hospitals in Nigeria and is a significant contributor to daily hospital admissions.
“The cost of dialysis sessions in Nigeria ranges from N20,000 to N50,000 per session leading to low adherent rates due to financial constraints.
“The alternative to dialysis which is kidney transplant is financially unattainable for many with the cost exceeding 6.5 million naira.
“The National Health Insurance Scheme in Nigeria provides limited coverage for chronic kidney disease patients, highlighting the need for expanded insurance coverage to support this treatment.
“Other states need to be taken to enhance kidney treatment facilities across the country. This includes increasing the number of functional analysis centers in tertiary health facilities, ensuring access to diversity treatments even in remote areas, and addressing the shortage of diversity nurses and specialized emissions.
“It is imperative that we act strictly to address the increasing rate of kidney disease by increasing awareness, improving treatment facilities, expanding insurance coverage and supporting infection prevention measures. We can also enhance the quality of life from millions of Latinos affected by chronic kidney disease,” the lawmaker further stressed.
Plea to FG, the rich
Celebrating the day, the Abia State Post Transplant Persons Association of Nigeria (ASPTPAN), tasked the federal government, the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and well- meaning Nigerians to help in making life-saving medications available and affordable to save lives of the citizens.
The group, in a statement by its secretary, Dr. Ifenkoronye Clement said: “The Kidneys, usually two bean shaped organs located in the abdomen and besides the central spinal cord 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 and so on. They are indeed vital to life and it is important that they be kept healthy for optimal performance.”
On how to maintain kidney health, he stressed the need to drink adequate amount of water like 3 litres a day as advocated by experts.
Clement 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 0. 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 and diabetic patients 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 4 times a week. 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.”
The association further called on government at all levels to provide assistance to post transplant persons to procure and use their medications for a good and quality life.