Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
THE need to raise awareness about the importance of kidney health has been underscored as the country joins the global community in observing World Kidney Day this Thursday.
Marked under the theme “Are Your Kidneys OK?”, the day serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritising kidney health and seeking early diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Travolta Mushayamano, Head of Clinical Services at Cimas Health Group, emphasised that kidney disease has become a significant health concern worldwide.
“There has been an increase in the number of people with kidney disease, and part of it is the change in our diet and lifestyle, certainly we know that obesity is one of the contributing contributors to kidney disease,” Dr Mushayamano said.
“Diabetes and hypertension also cause a lot of kidney damage, so, as these conditions become more prevalent you also expect that kidney disease becomes more and more common. We urge people that these are things you can modify, particularly lifestyle, weight management, hypertension and, diabetes and they do make a difference,” he said.
As part of efforts to alleviate the burden of kidney disease, the Zimbabwean government offers free dialysis services in all government hospitals.
Private healthcare providers have also stepped in to offer specialised treatment to citizens with medical aid.
World Kidney Day is a global health awareness campaign focusing on the importance of kidneys and reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems.
