Mmegi

Batswana implored to save lives by donating kidneys

Kidney disease now 10th leading cause of death

BY SUN REPORTER

Batswana have been urged to become heroes and come to the aid of their family members who might be in need of a kidney transplant.

Currently in Botswana, only family members and relatives can donate to a patient. According to Acting Minister of Health, Sethomo Lelatisitswe, in 2019 the World Health Organisation reported that kidney disease has risen from the world’s 13th leading cause of mortality to the current 10th position. “This translates to numbers of mortality having increased from 813 000 in 2000 to 1.3 million deaths in 2019. Closer to home, Lelatisitswe says Princess Marina Referral Hospital sees 1500 renal clients annually. Of this number, more than 300 patients excluding those from private health facilities with chronic kidney disease require some form of dialysis.

“Indeed, this is a worrying trend, given the fact that Non-Communicable Diseases like hypertension and diabetes are the leading causes of chronic kidney disease. These diseases remain a serious concern in our country,” he said. National Transplant Coordinator, Tebogo Bantsi reassures Batswana that there is nothing to be afraid of in the event that they chose to donate a kidney to a family member. It is possible for one to live an active normal life with just one kidney just as it possible to remove a kidney that is not working and still live happily with one kidney. It is also probable for one to be born with one kidney, which will not necessarily affect one’s quality of life.

“What we have discovered is that there are some Batswana who have a fear of donating a kidney,” she said, adding that their offices are always open to provide relevant information. Globally, eight to 10 percent of the population has some form of kidney damage. This translates into a million people dying every year prematurely from complications related to chronic kidney diseases. This year, the global event was commemorated under the theme: Kidney Health for All: Preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable. Lelatisitswe said that in the 21st century, the epidemic of NCD’s and its associated complications such as kidney disease, poses a threat to overwhelm health care systems, while driving many individuals, families and communities into poverty due to associated prohibitive cost of their chronic need for health care. He said that in recent years, the Covid-19 pandemic has provided a clear example of the challenges faced by health care systems in providing essential services to patients with NCDs.

“The impact of Covid-19, on the health system has placed an added strain on this vulnerable population who have to deal with the risk of becoming infected while visiting health facilities,” he explained. The Minister also explained that Botswana now has a Nephrology Centre of Excellence managed by a multidisciplinary team comprising of nephrology specialist doctors, nephrology nurses, dieticians and pharmacists. The centre provides high-level care to those with chronic kidney disease and works to prevent complication which may lead to death.

NEWS

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2023-03-22T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-22T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://enews.mmegi.bw/article/281535115232628

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