…As World Kidney Day Holds in Imo
By Iheanyi Enwerem
Dr. Stanley Ngoka,has called for the collaboration of both the Federal Government, State and Nigerians at large to join forces in the fight to reduce Kidney disease in 2025.
In his lecture at the 2025 World Kidney Day event, AKI 0by25: A Global Campaign to Eliminate Preventable Deaths From Acute Kidney Injury,Where are we now?,held at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri,last Thursday.
Dr. Ngoka, who is the Head Unit Renal Dialysis at FTH, Owerri,said that Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is characterized by a sudden increase in serum creatinine or a reduction in urine output occurring within 3 months, furthermore that AKI can present with symptoms including fluid overload, which may lead to swelling and difficulty breathing, reduced urine output Electrolyte Imbalances.
He opined that Patients with AKI often experience electrolyte imbalances, which can disrupt normal bodily functions and may lead to complications such as metabolic acidosis.
The renowned Nephrologist emphasized that AKI arises from various causes, including prerenal, intrinsic, and postrenal factors affecting renal health,he disclosed that Key risk major factors of
AKI include dehydration, infections, and chronic kidney disease.
Ngoka said , that Cultural beliefs significantly influence how communities understand and approach health challenges, affecting their response to healthcare, Socioeconomic disparities create barriers to accessing healthcare, leading to varied health outcomes across different communities.
Also that addressing cultural and socioeconomic factors is crucial for improving health awareness and outcomes, especially for conditions like AKI.
A Kidney Consultant and Nephrologist with FTH, Owerri, and advocate, Dr. Stanley Osuneke,advised people to speak up for kidney health, opining that they should dispell ignorance of seeing the disease as a spiritual attack.
He said early detection by visiting qualified medical personnel will help reduce the spread, ” don’t base on having symptoms, every age poses with a challenge”. Osuneke stated
Other speakers at the event include Mrs. Sam Iheaturueme Uzoamaka Lilian, CNO Renal Dialysis FTH, Owerri,among other dignitaries who graced the occasion.