The Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) has raised concern that about 11 percent of Nigerians are living with kidney disease, describing the rising trend as a serious public health challenge that requires urgent and coordinated intervention.
The disclosure was made in Maiduguri at a news conference following NAN’s four-day Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, which focused on addressing the growing burden of kidney disease and developing sustainable solutions for prevention, treatment, and care.
Speaking at the event, NAN National President, Prof. Jacob Awobusuyi, said the statistics suggest that roughly one in every 10 Nigerians is affected, underscoring the scale of the crisis facing the country’s healthcare system.
He explained that the conference brought together nephrologists, nurses, other healthcare professionals, traditional leaders, and key stakeholders in renal care to promote scientific exchange, skills development, and policy dialogue.
“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,” Awobusuyi said.
He noted that the theme of the conference, “Kidney Health in a Resource-Limited Environment,” was timely, allowing participants to share practical strategies for delivering effective care despite infrastructural and financial limitations.
Awobusuyi also highlighted the burden of chronic kidney disease among women, describing it as a critical but often overlooked issue. He said women face unique biological, social, and economic challenges that limit access to timely and adequate kidney care.
“Pregnancy-related kidney disorders, autoimmune diseases, delayed presentation, and financial dependency all contribute to poorer outcomes for women,” he stated, stressing the need for gender-sensitive and equitable renal healthcare.
The association further explored how digital health solutions, partnerships, and local innovations could expand access to renal services, particularly in underserved communities.
Also speaking, Prof. Ibrahim Ummate, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Director of the Kidney Centre at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, identified hypertension and diabetes as the leading causes of kidney disease in Nigeria.
He added that habitual use of herbal or traditional medicines, indiscriminate consumption of over-the-counter drugs, use of skin-bleaching creams, and exposure to pesticides and insecticides sprayed on food items are contributing risk factors.
“Continued exposure significantly increases the likelihood of developing kidney disease,” Ummate warned, urging Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles and seek medical attention early.
NAN said the conference marks a strategic effort to build awareness, strengthen clinical capacity, and foster collaboration among stakeholders in tackling the growing kidney disease burden nationwide.
By prioritising prevention, early detection, and equitable access to care, the association expressed hope of reducing the disease’s impact and improving patient outcomes across the country.