By Samira Larbie
Accra, March 14, GNA – Mr Labram Musah, the National Coordinator of the Ghana NCD (Non-Communicable Diseases) Alliance, has advised Ghanaians to take good care of their kidneys to prevent diseases.
He said the kidneys were vital organs and played a critical role in the lives of humans and, as such, the need to prevent diseases that affected their normal functioning.
Mr Musah gave the advice during a media interaction to commemorate the 2025 World Kidney Day.
“A lot of people must do things for themselves. You must own your health. People must regularly check and know the status of their kidneys,” he added.
He said that was important to ensure early detection and prevent end-stage kidney diseases.
The World Kidney Day is observed annually on the second Thursday of March, seeking to raise awareness about kidney health and the importance of early detection and prevention of diseases.
The 2025 World Kidney Day, observed on Thursday, March 13, is on the theme; “Are Your Kidneys Ok? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health,” highlighting the need for early detection and timely intervention in prevention and management of the disease.
The kidneys are vital organs that filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, maintain electrolyte balance, regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones that control red blood cell production and vitamin D activation.
In Ghana, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease is estimated at 13.3 per cent, with chronic glomerulonephritis, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension being the major causes.
Mr Musah said alcohol intake and smoking were also the major risk factors of kidney diseases apart from hypertension and diabetes.
He advised the public to be mindful of what they consumed and always ensure that it was not harmful to their health.
He called on the Government to put in place health promotion measures such as awareness creation to decrease the infection rate of the disease.
Mr Kojo Ahenkorah, President of the Renal Patients Association, told the Ghana News Agency that kidney disease “is not something to joke about” and encouraged the public not to engage in self-medication.
He said buying medicines over the counter without prescription was dangerous as it could lead to kidney diseases.
He called for healthy lifestyles and regular check-ups, at least once a year for early detection and treatment.
GNA