Importance of Prioritizing Kidney Health in Ghana
Mr. Labram Musah, the National Coordinator of the Ghana NCD Alliance, urges Ghanaians to prioritize kidney health to prevent diseases. In conjunction with the 2025 World Kidney Day under the theme “Are Your Kidneys Ok? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health,” he highlights the importance of early detection. Key risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, alcohol, and smoking. Public awareness and healthy lifestyle choices are essential for prevention and management.
The National Coordinator of the Ghana NCD Alliance, Mr. Labram Musah, emphasized the importance of kidney health in a recent media interaction. Celebrating the upcoming 2025 World Kidney Day, he urged Ghanaians to prioritize kidney care to prevent diseases that could impair their normal function. Regular monitoring of kidney status is essential for early detection and to avert end-stage kidney diseases.
World Kidney Day, taking place annually on the second Thursday of March, is dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of kidney health. The theme for 2025, “Are Your Kidneys Ok? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health,” highlights the importance of timely intervention in the prevention and management of kidney-related conditions.
The kidneys serve vital functions such as waste filtration, fluid regulation, electrolyte balance maintenance, blood pressure regulation, and hormone production beneficial to red blood cell generation and vitamin D activation. In Ghana, chronic kidney disease has a prevalence rate of 13.3%, primarily caused by chronic glomerulonephritis, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.
Mr. Musah also pointed out the associated risks of alcohol intake and smoking as significant contributors to kidney diseases, alongside the mentioned chronic conditions. He cautioned the public about their dietary choices, advocating for health-conscious consumption.
Additionally, Mr. Kojo Ahenkorah, President of the Renal Patients Association, stressed the seriousness of kidney health and advised against self-medication. He highlighted the dangers of acquiring medications without a prescription and advocated for adopting healthy lifestyles and annual health check-ups for early disease detection and management.
In conclusion, the emphasis on kidney health is crucial as chronic kidney disease affects a significant percentage of the population in Ghana. Regular monitoring, healthy lifestyle choices, and public awareness can aid in early detection and prevention. Encouraging health-promoting practices and responsible medication use will further enhance kidney health among Ghanaians, facilitating a well-informed approach to health management.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
