In marking the 2025 World Kidney Day, a health expert, has warned Nigerians against the intake of herbal remedies and the use of bleaching creams due to their severe health consequences, particularly in relation to kidney disease.
With a significant number of patients affected by kidney disease, Dr. Tams Tamunobelema, a Consultant Physician and Nephrologist at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), advised citizens to avoid creams containing mercury, which is a known contributing factor to kidney disease.
This year’s World Kidney Day, celebrated annually on March 13, carries the theme: “Are Your Kidneys Okay? Early Detection, Preventing Kidney Disease.”
During an interview session with journalists, Dr. Tamunobelema explained that hypertension is another major contributor to kidney disease and identified HIV as a leading cause.
“The International Society of Nephrology, the global body that regulates kidney care, has set aside the second Thursday of March every year to celebrate World Kidney Day,” Dr. Tamunobelema stated, emphasizing that the goal of the theme is to educate and enlighten the public about kidney health.
He further explained that patients suffering from kidney disease often undergo dialysis or require a transplant, which places a significant financial burden on both patients and their families.
“The primary objective is to create adequate awareness and sensitize people about preventive risk factors that cause kidney disease, so they do not reach the stage of requiring dialysis or an eventual transplant,” he noted.
Dr. Tamunobelema also announced that a screening test and a health talk on kidney disease would be conducted at Emmanuel Anglican Church in Rumuokoro.
The event aims to educate the public about the risks associated with late detection and provide strategies for effective disease management.
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“If you detect the issue early, you can manage it more effectively. We will also screen the population for risk factors associated with kidney disease. The most common factors include diabetes and hypertension,” he explained.
Speaking on government intervention, the nephrologist highlighted that treatment costs have been reduced by 50 percent in about ten centers following government support.
“The government can play a significant role in making favorable policies. Efforts are being made to make kidney transplants more accessible. Appropriate laws can be enacted to regulate kidney transplants and donations,” he added.
Furthermore, Dr. Tamunobelema revealed that the Nigerian Society of Nephrology is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health to develop guidelines governing kidney donation, addressing ethical concerns surrounding organ donation.
“A lot of people are unaware that the use of herbal remedies and bleaching creams containing mercury can cause kidney problems,” he cautioned.
“While you may not have control over developing hypertension due to family history or spontaneous occurrence, you can control your exposure to bleaching creams and herbal remedies,” the health expert emphasized.
