We need to offer more realistic support to the health system to deliver quality, safe, accessible, affordable and sustainable kidney care to the nation by:
i. Training more nurses and doctors in order to sufficiently take care of the patients.
ii. Providing adequate budget to support the screening and adequate management of the conditions that predispose to kidney disease like diabetes mellitus, hypertension, before they escalate into requiring dialysis. And for early management of those already affected with kidney disease.
iii. Empowering regional referral hospitals to offer dialysis services in their locations by providing manpower and necessary equipment.
iv. Establishing Peritoneal Dialysis services at the Regional Referral Hospitals as well as at the National Referral Hospital.
THE STATUS OF KIDNEY DISEASE IN UGANDA, A PREAMBLE
The scourge of Kidney Disease spares no one Kidney disease affects people of all calibers and socioeconomic status. Newly born, children as a complication of malaria and severe infections which are both highly prevalent in our setting, teenagers, mothers as a complication of pregnancy and child birth (pregnancy related high blood pressure, over bleeding, severe infection), the productive youths, middle aged and the seniors; all are equally affected.
The monthly cost of dialysis at the two government facilities averages UGX 760,000 to 3,600,000, varying with the availability of consumables. These figures are way beyond the average Ugandan who earns UGX 416,000 to 703,000 per month. We are calling for equitable and sustainable access to dialysis at centres that are closer to the upcountry population. Breaking down socioeconomic barriers and expanding access to comprehensive services in order to meet the needs of the population is essential to guarantee equitable and quality kidney care. It is also a key component of the World Kidney Day theme for 2020 that strives for. “Kidney health for everyone everywhere, from prevention to detection and equitable access to care”
Lack of Peritoneal Dialysis Services for Children in Uganda. Peritoneal dialysis, which is more user-friendly and the preferred mode of renal replacement in children, is non-existent in Uganda (government or private). The children therefore are not given the necessary care or are subjected to care using dialysis machines meant for adult patients. This makes the service unaffordable while making it more complex.
Health Policy and Patient Advocacy
In the fight for health awareness and disease prevention, it is important and empowering for patients to get involved in political decisions that may affect them and the future of their disease. Kidney patients know, like no other person can, the challenges and triumphs of living with kidney disease. Your local, state, and national representatives are accountable to you and are available to listen to your thoughts, ideas, and concerns. The following are the national bills affecting kidney disease, and some ways to make your voice heard and help support kidney disease prevention, early detection, and research.
Kidney Disease Prevention
- Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
- Keep a healthy blood pressure.
- Follow a low-salt, low-fat diet.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco.
- Limit alcohol.
- Talk to your doctor about medicines that can help protect your kidneys.
- Going for regular checkups.
Stages of CKD
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to all 5 stages of kidney damage, from very mild damage in Stage 1 to complete kidney failure in Stage 5. The stages of kidney disease are based on how well the kidneys can do their job – to filter waste and extra fluid out of the blood
Kidney disease treatment
Pre-Dialysis : Before starting dialysis you can manage the health conditions that can cause further kidney damage.
Dialysis Treatment Options : Dialysis treatment options include in-center hemodialysis, home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Kidney Transplant : Some people may be able to receive a kidney transplant. The new kidney does the work that the two failed kidneys used to do.
What are the symptoms of kidney failure
You may notice one or more of the following symptoms if your kidneys are beginning to fail:
- Itching
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Not feeling hungry
- Swelling in your feet and ankles
- Too much urine (pee) or not enough urine
- Trouble catching your breath
- Trouble sleeping
If your kidneys stop working suddenly (acute kidney failure), you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- Back pain
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Nosebleeds
- Rash
- Vomiting
Having one or more of any of the symptoms above may be a sign of serious kidney problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away.
Health Promotion Approach
- Health promotion approach where by we need to enable people
increase their control over kidney disease in their everyday lives.
- The overall aim is to see educated, awareness, empowered and
equipped population who have access to clear. Accurate and credible
information and quality kidney health.
UGANDA KIDNEY FOUNDATION
Uganda kidney disease foundation is a volunteer based organization dedicated to improve kidney health among the population of Uganda.
This is through :
Advocating for access, affordable and quality kidney health
Increased public awareness: risk factors of kidney disease
Empower kidney disease patient to optimize their health status
Use the public health approach in the prevention of kidney diseases