By Our Health Reporter

Health experts have raised concerns over the rising number of kidney disease cases in Nigeria and across the world, despite improvements in treatment outcomes in some health facilities.

The warning comes as the global community marks World Kidney Day, an annual awareness campaign focused on prevention, early detection, and equitable access to treatment for kidney diseases.

Globally, kidney disease has become a major public health concern. Health data indicates that about 10 percent of the world’s population—more than 850 million people—are living with some form of chronic kidney disease, with many unaware of their condition until it reaches an advanced stage.

Experts say the situation is equally alarming in Nigeria, where about 10 percent of the population—roughly 24 to 25 million people—are estimated to be living with kidney disease, placing a significant burden on the country’s healthcare system.

At the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, nephrologists say there are signs of progress in the management of the disease.

A nephrologist at the hospital, Dr. Alaya Abdulrashid, said improved treatment and early diagnosis have helped many patients avoid reaching the most severe stage of the illness.

“In Gombe State, about 60 percent of patients are now able to avoid progressing to the dialysis stage, which represents significant progress in treatment and early management,” he said.

However, he warned that the overall number of people developing kidney-related problems continues to rise, describing the trend as worrying.

Dr. Abdulrashid noted that conducting local studies to determine the exact burden of kidney disease in the region remains difficult due to the large number of patients referred from across the North-East.

Health professionals say the growing number of patients reflects broader national and global trends.

A nephrology nurse at the hospital,
AbdulRasheed a Nephrology nurse and
Barnabas Buba Respectively, identified hypertension, diabetes and unhealthy lifestyle practices as major causes of kidney failure.

“In our facility alone, we receive an average of about 20 patients daily seeking care for kidney-related problems,” he said.

Medical experts say these risk factors account for a large percentage of kidney disease cases worldwide. Studies show that about 40 percent of people with diabetes and around 20 percent of people with hypertension eventually develop chronic kidney disease.

Another nephrologist at the hospital, Dr. Abubakar Sadik, noted that access to dialysis remains a major challenge for many patients due to the high cost of treatment, making support from government and philanthropists essential.

Meanwhile,Inuwa Salihu Mshelia, Chairman Nigerian Association of Nephrology Nurses NANN FTH Gombe , commended philanthropist Usman Bello Kumo for providing free dialysis support to kidney disease patients throughout the year 2025.

He called on other well-meaning individuals in Gombe and beyond to emulate the gesture in order to ease the financial burden on patients undergoing dialysis treatment.

Mshelia also urged members of the public to protect their kidney health by drinking adequates water, avoiding self-medication, and seeking medical attention early when symptoms arise.

As part of activities marking World Kidney Day, nephrologists at the hospital organized a health talk with patients, where they highlighted preventive measures and the importance of early screening.

However,the experts lamented inadequate funding, describing it as a major challenge affecting awareness campaigns and early screening programmes aimed at tackling the growing burden of kidney disease in the region.

The theme for this year’s World Kidney Day is “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet.”

Health professionals say that with early screening, healthy lifestyle choices and improved access to treatment, many cases of kidney failure can be prevented or effectively managed.

By Our Correspondent

A delegation from Youth O’clock has paid a courtesy visit to the Gombe State Drugs and Medical Consumables Management Agency (GODMA), congratulating the Executive Secretary, Pharm. Abubakar Muhammad Hassan, on his appointment while exploring areas of collaboration.

During the visit, the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer of Youth O’clock Gombe State, Maryam Muhammad Khaleed, presented a concept note outlining a proposed medical outreach programme. The initiative is designed to provide health screening, treatment, and community education across the state, with a focus on common health concerns including malaria, typhoid, ulcers, diabetes, blood pressure disorders, and abdominal ailments.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, its leader, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran, described the appointment of Pharm. Hassan as well deserved and urged him to discharge his responsibilities with honesty and integrity. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Executive Secretary’s family to healthcare development in Gombe State and beyond.

Comrade Labaran further expressed appreciation to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the appointment, describing it as a commendable decision that would strengthen the state’s health sector.

He highlighted several initiatives undertaken by Youth O’clock, including tree-planting campaigns, conflict mediation and resolution efforts, capacity-building workshops, advocacy programmes, medical outreaches, peace dialogues, amnesty programmes, Youth Week celebrations, participation in public hearings, anti-drug abuse campaigns, and media engagement activities.

In his response, Pharm. Abubakar Muhammad Hassan welcomed the proposal and expressed readiness to partner with Youth O’clock in enhancing healthcare delivery in the state. He commended the organisation for its commitment to community service and encouraged members to sustain their efforts, noting that “serving humanity is next to serving God.”

The visit concluded with a group photograph, symbolising the beginning of what both parties described as a promising partnership aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of communities across Gombe State.

By Editor Daily Fact

Gombe State has officially flagged off the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) campaign in Balanga Local Government Area, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to protecting mothers and children against vaccine-preventable diseases.

The flag-off ceremony, held at Swa Central Primary School in Balanga LGA, was organised by the Gombe State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency (GSPHCDA).

The campaign targets women and children, with a strong focus on routine immunisation services aimed at boosting immunity among vulnerable groups and reducing the burden of preventable diseases across the state.

Speaking at the event on behalf of the Executive Secretary of GSPHCDA, Dr. Musa Mustapha Abdullahi disclosed that over 883,000 beneficiaries, including about 212,000 women and 770,000 children, are expected to be reached across various communities during the exercise.
He assured that the Agency remains committed to ensuring that every eligible mother and child receives complete and quality healthcare services throughout the campaign.

The Chairman of Balanga Local Government Area, Ibrahim Salisu, welcomed the initiative and expressed confidence that it would help eliminate diseases that continue to affect communities, particularly those in hard-to-reach areas. He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders to intensify mobilisation and encourage families, especially in rural communities, to fully participate.

Representing development partners, Pharm. Samuel Bunnet of the World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirmed the continued support of partners in strengthening immunisation performance in Gombe State.

Also speaking, Haruna Gambo Isari of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) stressed that immunisation is a national responsibility, noting that protecting the health of children remains a top priority for the country.

Representing the Commissioner for Health, Idris Muhammad Atiku, a royal representative from Bala Waja of Talasse commended the Gombe State Government for its sustained efforts to improve healthcare delivery. He urged parents and caregivers to cooperate with health workers by presenting their children at designated vaccination points.

The highlight of the programme was the symbolic administration of vaccines to mothers and children. The event was attended by representatives of the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, who was heavily represented by the Chairman, Governing Council of GSPHCDA, Dr. Ahmad Ya’u Kashere.

Dr. Kashere expressed satisfaction with the impressive turnout and called on residents to take advantage of the exercise by ensuring that eligible children receive the vaccines. He emphasised that the administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya places high priority on the health and wellbeing of the people. He also appreciated development partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, for their continued support.

The Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Muhammad, was also present at the programme and was represented by the Danlawan Kaltungo.

The National Immunisation Plus Days campaign will continue across all wards in Gombe State, with health workers providing both door-to-door and fixed-post services to ensure maximum coverage.