Wajir County faces a rising number of kidney failure cases, overwhelming healthcare resources. The local hospital is struggling to treat patients, leading many to seek costly alternatives. Contributing factors include diabetes, hypertension, lifestyle choices, and potentially contaminated water sources. Increased awareness and proactive health measures are crucial to address this crisis.
Wajir County is grappling with a health crisis as kidney failure cases soar, significantly burdening the healthcare system. The Wajir Referral Hospital’s Renal Unit has reported 79 cases in recent months, despite its limited capacity to treat only 31 patients. The remaining 48 individuals are compelled to seek more expensive private dialysis services.
Mohamed Adow, a researcher and nutritionist, emphasizes that many patients struggle with conditions like diabetes and hypertension. He indicates that a lack of adherence to prescribed treatments worsens their health. He advocates for preventive measures, including regular health check-ups and healthier lifestyle choices for the community.
Dr. Samira Rashid, a physician at the hospital, warns of the urgent need for intervention. She describes kidney failure as a silent epidemic, where irreversible damage often occurs before symptoms are detected. The options left for patients are costly dialysis or transplants, both of which are often inaccessible.
Current statistics reveal that among the patients receiving dialysis, 58 are men and 21 are women, predominantly with hypertension and diabetes histories. This surge in cases places an unsustainable strain on Wajir’s healthcare resources, resulting in many patients being unable to receive consistent treatment.
Ahmed Mohamed, a 30-year-old father of six, has experienced the burden of kidney failure since 2018, often traveling to Nairobi for treatment prior to the local Dialysis Unit’s establishment. He now feels relieved to receive care in Wajir, although the financial impact remains significant.
Several factors are contributing to this growing medical crisis, including lifestyle habits and potentially harmful water quality. Experts note that the local reliance on underground water, which may contain toxic minerals like lead, raises concerns. This contaminated water could be a significant factor in the rising kidney failure cases.
Notably, the diagnosis of kidney disease is increasingly affecting younger individuals, including children. Additionally, many residents continue to deny their health issues, which delays necessary treatment. Halima Hussein, a patient on dialysis, reflects on her previous disregard for her high blood pressure, urging others to take their health seriously before it is too late.
The escalating number of kidney failure cases in Wajir County poses a severe public health threat, straining the healthcare system and affecting many lives. Addressing lifestyle factors, ensuring proper medical adherence, and improving water quality are vital measures for prevention. With voices like those of medical professionals and patients, the need for community awareness and intervention is evident to combat this silent epidemic effectively.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
