REPORT: Kidney Disease Rising in Nigeria, One in 10 Nigerians Affected
Kidney disease is emerging as a significant public health concern in Nigeria, with medical experts warning that approximately one in every 10 Nigerians is currently living with the condition.
The Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) disclosed this alarming statistic during a press conference in Maiduguri following its four-day Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference focused on addressing the rising burden of kidney disease in Nigeria.
PulseNets learnt that the 11 per cent prevalence rate translates to millions of Nigerians battling various forms of kidney-related illnesses, placing increasing pressure on the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, NAN National President, Jacob Awobusuyi, emphasised the urgency of coordinated national action.
“This underscores the scale of the challenge facing Nigeria’s healthcare system and the urgent need for nationwide intervention,” Awobusuyi said.
PulseNets reported that the conference brought together nephrologists, nurses, other healthcare professionals, traditional leaders and key stakeholders in renal care to exchange knowledge and formulate practical, evidence-based solutions.
Awobusuyi explained that the conference sessions examined modern strategies aimed at improving renal healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
“The conference has provided an opportunity to examine innovative approaches to dialysis and kidney transplantation, preventive nephrology, community-based screening, task-shifting, and the development of sustainable financing models for renal care,” he said.
He described the conference theme, “Kidney Health in a Resource-Limited Environment,” as timely, noting that participants explored workable strategies for delivering effective kidney care despite infrastructural deficits and funding limitations.
PulseNets gathered that the burden of chronic kidney disease among women was also highlighted as a critical yet under-addressed issue. Awobusuyi pointed to gender-specific factors that worsen outcomes.
“Pregnancy-related kidney disorders, autoimmune diseases, delayed presentation, and financial dependency all contribute to poorer outcomes for women,” he said.
He added that experts at the conference examined how digital health innovations, strategic partnerships and locally driven solutions could expand access to renal services, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Director of the Kidney Centre at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Ibrahim Ummate, identified hypertension and diabetes as the leading causes of kidney disease in Nigeria.
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Ummate further warned against behavioural and environmental risk factors, including habitual use of herbal medicines, indiscriminate consumption of over-the-counter drugs, use of skin-bleaching creams, and exposure to pesticides and insecticides sprayed on food items.
“Continued exposure significantly increases the likelihood of developing kidney disease,” he cautioned.
PulseNets obtained that NAN described the conference as a strategic step toward strengthening awareness, enhancing clinical capacity, and promoting collaboration among stakeholders to curb the growing kidney disease burden in Nigeria.
