Ghanaians Urged to Prioritize Kidney Health to Prevent Disease

Mr. Labram Musah encouraged Ghanaians to prioritize kidney health, emphasizing early detection, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups to prevent diseases. Chronic kidney disease rates are high in Ghana, driven by diabetes, hypertension, and risky behaviors like smoking and excessive alcohol intake. World Kidney Day serves as a reminder of the significance of kidney awareness and protection.

Mr. Labram Musah, National Coordinator of the Ghana NCD Alliance, emphasized the critical importance of kidney health for Ghanaians during a media event commemorating World Kidney Day 2025. He highlighted the kidneys’ essential functions and urged individuals to engage proactively in monitoring their kidney health. Regular health checks can foster early detection and help prevent severe kidney diseases.

World Kidney Day is celebrated annually on the second Thursday of March, with the 2025 theme being “Are Your Kidneys Ok? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health.” The initiative aims to raise awareness about kidney issues and emphasizes the necessity for early diagnosis and intervention.

The kidneys play vital roles, including filtering blood, maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, regulating blood pressure, and producing hormones linked to red blood cell and vitamin D production. In Ghana, chronic kidney disease prevalence is about 13.3%, largely due to chronic glomerulonephritis, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

Alcohol consumption and smoking significantly increase kidney disease risk alongside hypertension and diabetes. Mr. Musah advised the public to be cautious about their dietary choices to avoid harmful health impacts, stressing the need for government-led health promotion initiatives to reduce disease incidence.

Mr. Kojo Ahenkorah, President of the Renal Patients Association, warned against the risks of kidney disease, advising the public to refrain from self-medication. He urged individuals to seek prescriptions for medications and to adopt healthy lifestyles, recommending annual health check-ups for early detection and treatment.

The article underscores the importance of kidney health and proactive measures for disease prevention among Ghanaians. With rising chronic kidney disease prevalence, awareness and early detection are crucial. Public health initiatives and lifestyle modifications, including regular health checks and healthier eating habits, are essential in promoting kidney health and preventing further complications.

Original Source: gna.org.gh