By Dorothy Frances Ward
Kumasi, June 3, GNA – Prof. Sampson Antwi, a Paediatric Nephrologist and Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has underscored the need for stronger healthcare systems and international collaboration to reduce the burden of kidney diseases among children.
He said increased government support for paediatric nephrology services across the country, coupled with early diagnosis and treatment, would significantly improve survival rates and outcomes for children suffering from kidney-related conditions.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Kumasi, Prof. Antwi noted that he had contributed to international research efforts aimed at improving kidney care for children in low-income countries.
He stressed the need for practical strategies to expand access to dialysis, kidney transplantation, and specialised paediatric kidney care services.
According to him, children in developing countries continue to face limited access to life-saving kidney replacement therapies due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure, a shortage of specialists, high treatment costs, and insufficient medical equipment.
“Many children are kept at home until their conditions become critical because their families cannot afford treatment,” he stated.
Prof. Antwi called on parents to make regular medical check-ups a priority for themselves and their children to facilitate early detection and treatment of diseases.
He also advised the public to adopt healthy eating habits by reducing excessive salt intake and limiting the use of artificial seasonings in meals.
He explained that excessive salt consumption could lead to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for kidney disease and other serious health complications.
Uncontrolled hypertension, he noted, could result in kidney failure and damage to other vital organs.
Prof. Antwi therefore encouraged the public to monitor their blood pressure regularly, noting that the service is offered free of charge at many pharmacies.
He further appealed to the government to establish more kidney treatment centres across the country, equipped with modern machines and staffed by trained healthcare professionals.
Improving access to quality healthcare services, he said, was critical to safeguarding public health and ensuring timely treatment for patients.
He expressed concern about the enormous challenges confronting children with severe kidney diseases in developing countries and reiterated the need for sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and specialist training.
Prof. Antwi stressed that the persistent barriers preventing children in low-income countries from accessing life-saving kidney treatments must be addressed to ensure better health outcomes and improve their quality of life.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Dorothy Frances Ward