Kidney disease; the silent killer

The number of patients suffering from the chronic condition kidney failure (chronic kidney disease) is one condition whose effect to the families and the economy has not been given the due prominence it deserves.

Kidney is the most vital organ in the body responsible for toxic waste elimination, control of body fluids, acid base control, and regulation of blood pressure, production of blood and synthesis of vitamin D. In Kenya and the like of third world countries the data of the disease prevalence is inconclusive. There is no data to show the number of people suffering from the condition, which will be in turn help in the Healthcare panning.

In the recent past, it was synonymous to a death sentence to one diagnosed with renal failure. There were only two centers which could offer hemodialysis (artificial removal of toxins and excess fluids) in the public health sector I.e. Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) And Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Eldoret (MTRH). Thanks to God that now the dialysis services are available at least 80% of the counties in Kenya.

However, there are gaps to be filled in order to achieve the goals of care for clients who need the dialysis services ,pneumonia lacks enough Nephrologists to take care of the ever swelling number of patients ,the number of nephrology is not in consistent with the number of dialysis machines procured across the country. Diagnostic services are wanting; you may die in Kenya with kidney disease minus proper diagnosis. Mostly, the kidney disease is as a result of complications of non-communicable diseases e.g. Hypertension (high blood pressure) Diabetes (a condition where blood sugars are not adequately controlled) other uropathies  The division of non-communicable diseases in the Ministry of Health need to put more effort in this condition which is without notice whipping our people