Mr. Labram Musah, National Coordinator of the Ghana NCD Alliance, emphasized the importance of kidney health for Ghanaians, urging regular monitoring to prevent diseases. The 2025 World Kidney Day, themed “Are Your Kidneys Ok? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health,” focuses on early detection and intervention. Chronic kidney disease is prevalent in Ghana, primarily due to hypertension and diabetes, alongside lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption and smoking.
The National Coordinator of the Ghana NCD Alliance, Mr. Labram Musah, has emphasized the importance of kidney health for Ghanaians to reduce the risk of related diseases. During a recent media event commemorating the 2025 World Kidney Day, he underscored that kidneys are essential organs, crucial for maintaining overall health.
Mr. Musah advocated for personal responsibility regarding one’s health, urging people to regularly monitor their kidney status to facilitate early disease detection and prevent severe outcomes. The annual World Kidney Day, which falls on the second Thursday of March, focuses on promoting awareness of kidney health. This year’s theme, “Are Your Kidneys Ok? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health,” emphasizes timely intervention in managing kidney-related conditions.
The kidneys serve multiple vital functions, including filtering waste from the blood, maintaining electrolyte balance, regulating blood pressure, and producing essential hormones. In Ghana, chronic kidney disease prevalence is around 13.3%, primarily due to chronic glomerulonephritis, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.
Additionally, Mr. Musah identified alcohol consumption and smoking as significant risk factors for kidney disease, alongside the usual suspects of hypertension and diabetes. He urged the public to be cautious with their dietary choices to safeguard their health and recommended that the government enhance health promotion initiatives to mitigate disease rates.
Mr. Kojo Ahenkorah, President of the Renal Patients Association, commented on the serious nature of kidney disease, warning against self-medication. He advised the public against purchasing medications without proper prescriptions, as this could exacerbate kidney problems. Furthermore, he recommended maintaining a healthy lifestyle and conducting regular check-ups at least once a year to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention.
In conclusion, prioritizing kidney health is vital for Ghanaians, as emphasized by health officials during the 2025 World Kidney Day. The message reflects the significance of early detection, healthy lifestyles, and government support in reducing the prevalence of kidney diseases. Personal accountability, healthy dietary choices, and routine medical check-ups play crucial roles in kidney health management.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
