30 Oct 2023

Kidney condition experts, also called nephrologist, have been urged to take the responsibility of shaping policies and championing accessible preventative world class measures and solutions for Africa and beyond. 

Officiating at the Botswana International Nephrology Conference on Saturday, Assistant Minister of Health, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe  said the World Health Organization (WHO) data indicated that over 800 million across the world suffered from kidney disease. 

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) alone affected approximately 10 per cent of the global population resulting in 2.4 million fatalities annually, he said. 

Mr Lelatisitswe said CKD was a significant precursor to Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) which afflicted over 13 million individuals each year causing 1.7 million deaths. 

“The health and economic implications of CKD and AKI strain health care systems, particularly in resource-limited environments like ours, consuming substantial portions of healthcare budgets,” he said.

The assistant minister added that Botswana, like other developing countries. Was grappling with demand for renal replacement therapy that outpaced supply with many facing barriers to quality and affordable care. 

That notwithstanding, the ministry had, in alignment with the country’s vision and foundational pillars, initiated projects to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in health services with special emphasis on the region’s comprehensive nephrology services. 

Mr Lelatisitswe said optimal kidney function, was critical for overall good health as it influenced vital aspects such as blood pressure, fluid balance, electrolyte management, bone health and immunity. 

He assistant minister added that kidney ailments had direct correlation with non-communicable disease (NCDs) and conditions linked to lifestyle including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and infections such as malaria. 

He hailed organisers for hosting the conference in Maun, saying that the area had many people with kidney conditions, and for whom he believed the conference would offer recommendations on what approaches government and the health sector should adopt to address emerging challenges. 

“My ministry is looking forward to the outcomes and the recommendations which you believe we could adopt to tackle kidney disease challenges the country and the continent are facing,” he said. 

Beyond acquiring knowledge and skills, Mr Lelatisitswe said he trusted the conference was an opportunity to forge lasting relationships between experts and health institution in Botswana and beyond and believed attendees would pursue knowledge continually to inspire excellence, innovation and a deep-seated respect for life. 

Ngami District Health Management Team (DHMT) coordinator, Dr Sandra Maripe-Ebutswe said that renal diseases were fast becoming one of the leading NCDs in Sub- Saharan Africa. In the district, she said they were equally affected by kidney disease with some villages experiencing a high number. 

She pointed that in 2021 and 2022, they saw a total of 381 and 413 patients in their renal clinic respectively. 

Currently, she said they had 14 patients who were on peritoneal dialysis and since 2016 to date, they had referred 14 for haemodialysis. 

She added it was important to look for possible causes, prevention and control measures with a view to reducing the burden of renal disease. 

“I believe this conference provides an excellent opportunity to discuss the latest developments within the field of nephrology,” she said. 

Dr Maripe-Ebutswe also thanked the government for bringing services closer to the people, saying they would now have better renal care. 

Initially, she said they referred clients to Francistown and Gaborone. Maun East legislator, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile urged experts to find long-term solutions to kidney diseases, adding that people residing closer to the Okavango Delta were experiencing a high number of kidney associated diseases. Ends