Africa-Press – Botswana. Early detection and treatment of kidney diseases can help improve life expectancy and reduce the risk of developing late-stage kidney disease.
Speaking during commemoration of World Kidney Day in Shorobe recently, representative from Phomolong Centre for Kidney Disease and Dialysis Dr Mothusi Moloi encouraged attendants to go for regular check-ups, noting that prevention was key.
“Prevention is important, so is education,” he said adding that prevention was centred around eight keyways to protect one’s kidneys.
These include keeping blood pressure in check, eating a healthy diet, staying fit and active, maintaining a healthy weight, being careful about salt intake, maintaining a healthy fluid intake, not smoking and cutting down on processed foods.
He further explained that the role of Phomolong Centre for Kidney Disease and Dialysis was to prevent kidney diseases, provide early diagnosis, management of acute and chronic and to improve the wellbeing of the community.
The event brought together healthcare professionals, patients and community members to support those affected by kidney diseases and to honour and remember those who succumbed to it.
Giving her testimony as a kidney disease patient, Ms Obusitswe Shamona of Shorobe encouraged patients to accept their situation and follow doctors’ instructions.
She also emphasised the importance of healthy eating.
Another patient, Ms Oabetswe Zambo encouraged people to remain strong in fighting kidney diseases, saying that would motivate other family members to support them adequately.
For her part, Ngami DHMT Coordinator, Dr Sandra Maripe said government was committed to improving service delivery to the nation thus the availability of Haemodialysis as one of the treatments for kidney disease in Maun since November 2023.
“To date there are 41 patients on dialysis in Maun, 25 of them were previously on Haemodialysis at Francistown but thanks to the cordial relationship between Ministry of Health and Phomolong Centre they are back home and they can receive support from their loved ones,” she said.
Dr Sandra Maripe said people should be mindful of diseases such as Hypertension and sugar diabetes as they were the most causes for kidney diseases in many patients. She said this called for change of lifestyle that encompassed healthy eating and engaging more in exercise.
The event was held under the theme: Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice.
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