Every 10th of March is World Kidney Day (WKD). During the 2023 commemoration of the day, the Federal Ministry of Health says around 20 million people in Nigeria are currently estimated to be living with the disease. It was reported that about 20,000 of the number are coming down with End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) yearly requiring dialysis or/and transplant to stay alive.
A non-governmental organisation based in Kwara, Life Savers Initiative (LSI) is starting a project that will be dedicated to raising awareness because the Federal Ministry of Health report shows that there are still major concerns around low awareness and under-reporting.
According to the Founder of the initiative, Yusuf Solihu, it’s so sad to see the pictures of loved ones on social media platforms begging for money for kidney transplant and other life threatening diseases. Therefore, as an organisation, the major goal of our project is to reduce the prevalence of kidney and liver diseases in Kwara State by raising awareness of the risks and consequences of these diseases and promoting preventive measures among our people.
Yusuf, while speaking with INSIDERNG reporter, emphasized that it is not enough celebrating World Kidney or Liver Day without appropriate action towards ensuring that people are aware of possible causes and preventive measures to be taken. He said; “people across the globe celebrate WKD to raise awareness regarding Kidney diseases. But the main aim of the day will be defeated if we as an organisation fail to give proper sensitization to the people about the increasing number of kidney-related diseases especially within us here in Kwara”.
Speaking further, Yusuf said in Kwara State’s capital today, there has been an alarming increase in the number of kidney failure cases among the youth. It is a concern that needs to be taken more seriously. According to him, working as an expert at Diagnostic Centre has taught him the importance of prioritizing one’s health.
“I used to believe that high blood pressure was only a concern for adults, but I’ve been shocked to witness young individuals suffering from hypertensive heart disease. As a result, I’ve become vigilant about monitoring my blood pressure and undergoing viral tests every three months. More so, the increasing number of young people succumbing to heart disease, liver and kidney failures has made me realize the significance of proactive health management.”
In line with this, Life Savers Initiative is kickstarting a public campaign for sensitization of the people of Kwara on living healthy. This was contained in a statement released to newsmen on Tuesday.
Read full statement below.
Dear Members and Volunteers of Life Savers Initiative,
I’m excited to share some important news with you. We have officially set the date for the kickoff of our program. Mark your calendars for the 25th of October as the day when our mission to make a difference in kidney and liver health begins in earnest.
This is a significant step forward, and your dedication and commitment are crucial as we prepare to embark on this journey. Together, we can raise awareness, provide support, and make a positive impact in the fight against kidney and liver diseases.
Please stay tuned for more details and instructions as we get closer to the date. Let’s work together to bring positive change to our community.
Thank you for being part of Lifesavers Initiative.
Solihu Yusuf
LifeSaver’s Initiative.