By Cathy Maulidi:
Ministry of Health Chief of Health Services responsible for technical issues Lilian Chunda has disclosed that Malawi is currently treating over 300 patients with kidney disease.
Chunda has said this ahead of World Kidney Day (WKD), which is expected to be commemorated today under the theme ‘Kidney Health for All: Advancing Equitable Access to Care and optimal Medication Practice’.
In a statement released by the ministry, Chunda says kidney disease has become a global burden as its cases are increasing.
He adds that it is projected to become the fifth most common cause of life loss globally by 2040.
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“Globally, over 850 million people are affected by different types of kidney disorders. Approximately one in 10 adults worldwide have chronic kidney disease, which is invariably irreversible and mostly progressive as well.
“Currently, over 300 patients with chronic kidney disease are being managed in the two major tertiary hospitals in Malawi. Kidney is a major cause of catastrophic health expenditure to our nation and beyond,” Chunda said.
While describing kidney disease as a burden locally, Chunda added that the disease is also a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide.
She, therefore, stresses the need for stakeholders to join hands in addressing kidney disease-related problems, saying this is key to meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal target of reducing cases of premature death from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by a third by 2030.
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At events marking last year’s World Kidney Day in Mzuzu City, specialist in kidney health at Mzuzu Central Hospital, John Chipolombwe, called on Malawians to take precautionary measures in preventing kidney disease, saying its treatment is costly.
He said embracing habits that keep kidneys in good shape is key to preventing problems that are associated with kidney complications
“Its treatment is costly as the country doesn’t have enough facilities that can handle patients suffering from kidney diseases.
‘As of now, all kidney patients are referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe for treatment, where they are placed on a dialysis machine for at least three times a week and not everyone can be attended to on time due to increased numbers of clients,” Chipolombwe said.
Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre also offers dialysis services.
President of Kidney Foundation of Malawi, Frank Mwale, called for multi-stakeholder collaboration in improving health service delivery for kidney disease.
At an advanced stage of kidney disease, some of the common, but not conclusive, symptoms include tiredness, loss of concentration, poor appetite, lack of sleep, muscle cramps at night, swollen feet and ankles, puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning, dry, itchy skin, and the need to urinate more often, especially at night.
