As the Ghana Kidney Association (GKA) engages stakeholders to make dialysis accessible and affordable to persons with kidney diseases, there is a call for the general populace to lead healthy lives for prevention.
Hypertension
and diabetes mellitus are the two major leading causes of kidney ailments in
Ghana, Africa and the world.
But
President of GKA, Professor Sampon Antwi, is particularly cautioning illegal
mining operators in Ghana to be wary of the implications in the use of heavy
metals in mining.
"Our
brothers in the galamsey business are also not spared," said Prof. Antwi.
"There are a lot of environmental toxins from heavy metals like mercury
and the gold itself that can also damage the kidneys. So we appeal to all to
lead healthy lives that can protect their kidneys".
The
Ghana Kidney Association is a professional body that is responsible for the
promotion of healthy kidneys through education on preventive ways and also
treatment of all people who are suffering from kidney diseases.
In
the heat of public uproar on the cost of dialysis, the Association is hoping
the government offers more in terms of funding dialysis in Ghana, or at least
kept current cost unchanged.
"We
are in talks with the government to see how it can actually make some
concessions in the cost of importation of dialysis consumables so that the
price will stay within the amount that will be affordable by the many who are
suffering from kidney disease," said Prof. Antwi, a Consultant Paediatric
Nephrologist and Head of the Child Health Directorate of the Komfo Anokye
Teaching Hospital.
Persons
diagnosed with kidney disease are advised to report early to the hospital and
keep appointment with their doctors all the time, while adhering to their
medication.
"Even
though you've been diagnosed with the disease, those measures will really slow
down progression to end stage where you will need dialysis," emphasized
Prof. Antwi.
By Kofi Adu Domfeh
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