Nephrologists in Nigeria have raised alarms over a significant rise in kidney disease cases among young adults. Unlike in developed countries, where the condition predominantly affects the elderly, glomerulonephritis—damage to kidney filters—has become prevalent among Nigerian youths.
Experts attribute this to the rampant abuse of painkillers, particularly paracetamol and tramadol, and herbal remedies, a practice common among blue-collar workers. While infections can also cause glomerulonephritis, the misuse of these substances has become a primary factor.
Professor Jacob Awobusuyi, President of the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, highlighted the younger age demographic of patients undergoing dialysis in Nigeria, often in their 30s and 40s. This contrasts with Western countries, where most dialysis patients are aged 60 and above. Dialysis, which removes waste and excess fluids from the blood, is a lifeline for individuals with kidney failure.
However, the high cost of dialysis in Nigeria means many patients cannot afford the recommended three sessions per week. Instead, they settle for fewer treatments, leading to severe complications and reduced survival rates. According to Awobusuyi, 60-70% of dialysis patients in Nigeria die within the first year due to inadequate treatment.
The challenges are compounded by a lack of dialysis facilities. In Lagos, only three of the 28 general hospitals have functional dialysis units. Despite the establishment of the multi-billion-naira Cardiac and Renal Centre in Gbagada in 2015, the facility remains non-operational, leaving many patients struggling for access.
To address this crisis, experts advocate for government subsidies and expanded health insurance coverage for kidney disease management. Reducing the cost of dialysis from its current average of ₦45,000 per session to an affordable rate of ₦5,000 could make life-saving treatments accessible to more patients.
Nephrologists stress the need for urgent action to curb the abuse of painkillers and improve healthcare accessibility, potentially saving thousands of lives.
