Health experts have raised concerns over the rising prevalence of kidney disease in Ghana, with reports indicating that 13 out of every 100 people may be affected.
This means nearly four million Ghanaians are living with some form of kidney disease, highlighting the need for urgent intervention.
Dr. Elliot Koranteng Tannor, a Consultant Nephrologist at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), revealed that kidney disease is now affecting younger individuals, with the average age of dialysis patients in Ghana being around 46 years.
He made these remarks during a public lecture in Kumasi to mark World Kidney Day, organized by the Ghana Kidney Association in collaboration with PATH Ghana.
This year’s theme, “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health,” emphasizes the importance of early detection and preventive measures.
Dr. Tannor noted that conditions such as hypertension and diabetes are major contributors to kidney disease, and he warned against the excessive use of herbal medicines and painkillers, which can severely damage the kidneys.
A recent study by KATH showed that kidney disease cases in the Ashanti Region have quadrupled over the past decade.
Disturbingly, around 70% of patients seeking treatment for kidney-related conditions are either at the brink of or already experiencing kidney failure. Many of these patients do not survive their hospital admission.
Dr. Tannor stressed that early diagnosis is crucial to managing the disease effectively, preventing progression, and reducing fatalities. He urged Ghanaians to undergo regular kidney health screenings, as kidney disease can remain undetected for years without symptoms.
Dr. Robert Yeboah, Programme Director for PATH Ghana’s Healthy Heart Africa Programme, echoed these concerns, stating that chronic kidney disease affects an estimated 850 million people globally. Without early detection and proper treatment, it could lead to severe complications, disability, or premature death.
He also warned that by 2040, kidney disease is projected to become the fifth leading cause of years of life lost worldwide.
Despite its growing burden, chronic kidney disease remains under-prioritized in global and national health agendas. Experts are calling for immediate policy action and awareness campaigns to address the crisis before it worsens.
