A feature by Emmanuel Opuni
Accra, April 12, GNA – For four painful years, Akosua Birago battled chronic kidney disease with a quiet fortitude that veiled the crushing weight of financial and emotional strain. Her story is not unique, but it is devastating.
Twice a week, Akosua underwent dialysis – each session costing her family approximately $54 at a public hospital, in a country where the minimum daily wage is about $1.30. Her savings vanished. Her family’s resources followed. Despite their sacrifices, she succumbed to the disease, leaving behind two growing children. One of her sons, still in school, has been emotionally paralysed by the loss, struggling to cope even after therapy. Akosua’s death is a harsh reminder of the cost of survival in a country where the burden of chronic illness is largely borne by the sick and their families.
Understanding the Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition characterised by the gradual loss of kidney function. It is often caused by underlying health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and chronic glomerulonephritis. In Ghana, the prevalence has risen to 13.3%, with nearly half of admitted CKD patients dying, primarily due to late detection and financial constraints.
Symptoms often include fatigue, swelling in the legs and feet, changes in urination patterns, and persistent nausea. If left undetected, CKD progresses silently until it is too late.
Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment
The good news is that early detection and lifestyle changes can significantly slow down or even prevent CKD. Regular blood pressure and blood sugar screenings are essential, particularly for high-risk individuals. However, in Ghana, access to such preventive care remains limited and underutilised.
Treatment, particularly dialysis, is expensive and usually not fully covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme. While the previous administration provided limited funding toward the end of 2024, these funds have since been exhausted. Patients are now left with an $8 government subsidy per dialysis session—barely a dent in the cost.
A single dialysis patient may need 8 to 12 sessions per month, costing roughly $432 to $684 monthly, an expense most Ghanaian households cannot afford. Without significant support, this treatment becomes a luxury rather than a lifesaving necessity.
The Toll on Families and Communities
Akosua Birago’s story reflects the broader societal impact of CKD in Ghana. Beyond the immediate health implications, the financial strain often pushes families into poverty. Breadwinners are unable to work, children drop out of school, and entire communities bear the mental and social costs.
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including chronic kidney disease, are on the rise and now account for about 45% of deaths in the country. If unaddressed, the toll on human capital and national development could be profound.
Government’s Proposal for NCD Support
In a bid to respond to the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including chronic kidney disease, the current government has proposed the Ghana Medical Care Trust – popularly known as Mahama Cares. This initiative aims to support the treatment and care of NCD patients. However, the fund is yet to become operational, and detailed information regarding its scope and practical implementation remains unclear. More importantly, unless strong preventive mechanisms are implemented, the situation will remain dire.
A Way Forward: Multi-Stakeholder Solutions
To turn the tide, prevention must be prioritised. The government should lead efforts by:
Intensifying public education through partnerships with media, religious institutions, and community leaders.
Developing a unified curriculum to guide prevention and early detection campaigns nationwide.
Equipping hospitals and pharmacies to provide routine blood pressure and blood sugar tests – affordably or freely- especially during off-peak hours.
Supporting traditional and religious leaders to organise health drives across communities.
The international community, including foreign missions and development partners, must also step up by sharing technical expertise and financial support for sustainable interventions.
Business entities, identifiable groups such as GNAT, and religious organisations can integrate health education into their activities. The Presbyterian Church, for instance, could engage its healthcare professionals to raise awareness during Sunday services across the country.
Media as a Force for Change
Traditional and digital media must be harnessed not only to promote kidney health awareness but also to amplify the stories of people such as Akosua Birago. These stories are not just tales of loss; they are calls to action.
Chronic kidney disease is not just a medical challenge—it is a national crisis. Akosua’s story should not be in vain. Ghana needs an inclusive, sustainable response that values early detection and prevention, shares the cost of care across sectors, and restores dignity to those silently struggling.
As the nation reflects on World Kidney Day and its aftermath, one message stands clear: prevention is better than cure, and early detection saves lives. Akosua Birago tried to live. Now, Ghana must fight for those who still can.
GNA
Emmanuel Opuni is the Executive Director, Center for Health Policy and Development-Africa
Edited by Beatrice Asamani Savage