The Plight of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients in Nigeria

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a serious condition associated with premature mortality, decreased quality of life, and increased health-care expenditures. Untreated CKD can result in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and necessitate dialysis or kidney transplantation The plight of chronic kidney disease patient in third world countries like Nigeria is enormous. It is under reported and a common cause of death due to the fact that most patients afflicted with this disease cannot afford the treatment. There is lack of enough trained manpower to manage these patients. The primary health care system in the country is also in poor state, making it difficult to identify a large number of both those at risk of developing CKD and those with early stages of CKD. Moreover, the federal government and various state governments do not pay enough attention to the plight of this group of patients. They need special attention from the government.