By Oluwafunke Ishola

A Consultant Physician and Nephrologist, Dr Ayoola Odeyemi, says collective measures involving patients, healthcare providers and government are required to reduce the burden of kidney morbidity and mortality.

Odeyemi, a Specialist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  in Lagos in commemoration of World Kidney Day, marked annually on the second Thursday of March.

It is  aimed at raising awareness on the importance of the kidney to overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and associated health problems globally.

The 2024 theme is “Kidney Health for All- Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice.”

Odeyemi, who is also the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN), puts the prevalence of kidney diseases in the country at 30 per cent.

According to him, many people are living with undiagnosed kidney diseases, stressing that early detection improves the chances of receiving effective treatment and preventing kidney failure.

Odeyemi noted that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often irreversible, while the acute kidney disease (AKD) may be reversed with treatment if detected early.

He appealed to physicians to have a high index of suspicion to pick kidney disease symptoms in patients and refer them to a nephrologist for prompt treatment.

The nephrologist urged the government to evolve appropriate legislation to ensure affordable care, noting that most kidney patients pay for treatment out-of-pocket.

Odeyemi also appealed for the integration of comprehensive kidney care in the National Health Insurance Act, lamenting that kidney dialysis was not adequately catered for.

“The health insurance made provision for only six sessions of kidney dialysis per year for each patient, whereas most patients with kidney failure or end-stage renal disease require four to five sessions per week.

“Each dialysis session costs about N50, 000, which is a huge financial burden for kidney patients,” he said.

Odeyemi also urged health management organisations (HMOs) to embrace renal care in their service.

“Nigerian Association of Nephrology is appealing to well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of kidney patients because there’s a lot of needless deaths,” he told NAN.

He noted that many CKD patients in Nigeria die within three to six months of procuring dialysis, compared to advanced countries where the survival could be over 20 years.

Odeyemi also called for sustainable funding for kidney care, including transplant at the federal and state level.

He noted that NAN was advocating for relative donors as against commercialisation of the kidney for transplant, adding that it was unethical and exploitative.

According to him, the association is working in collaboration with the government on appropriate legislations and regulation for kidney transplant.

He advised kidney patients to visit LASUTH for transplant, noting that the hospital was equipped with the latest technology and has recorded successes in kidney transplant.

On the financial cost of kidney transplant and investigation in the country, Odeyemi disclosed that it ranges between N16 million to N20 million at health facilities.

He added that the cost of medication post-surgery in the first year cost about four to five million naira, noting that the cost reduces after the first year.

Odeyemi emphasised that the best hope for reducing the human and economic costs of kidney disease lies in prevention, thus called for intensive awareness and education at the community level.

He advised people to embrace a healthy lifestyle, control their blood pressure and sugar level, refrain from overuse of painkillers, eat healthy diets with minimal salt, sugar and fat, among others.

According to Odeyemi, there are about 35 to 40 nephrologists in Lagos State, while some states have two, warning that the number of specialists is grossly inadequate to manage the increasing burden of kidney disease among citizens. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

By Abujah Racheal

AMA Pharmaceuticals, a Kaduna-based indigenous firm, has unveiled its second pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Kaduna, signaling a strategic move to meet healthcare demands beyond Nigeria’s borders.

The World Trade Organization (WTO), says it is a significant stride towards bolstering Africa’s pharmaceutical sector.

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, WTO, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of the medical manufacturing plant in Kaduna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AMA Medical, an indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Nigeria, operates in phases.

Its initial phase is the establishment of state-of-the-art production plant, utilising European technology, particularly Automatic Form Fill Seal Technology (AFFS).

The technology, featuring advanced machinery, produces high-quality intravenous solutions (IV fluids) at affordable costs, significantly reducing pediatric wastage

It does this by introducing 250ml formats for Normal Saline, 4.3 per cent Dextrose Saline, and 5 per cent Dextrose, first in West Africa.

With a current capacity of 10 million pouches annually and plans for expansion, AMA aims to swiftly penetrate the West African Market and leverage the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.

Okonjo-Iweala said the expansion aligned with the Nigerian government’s initiative to enhance local pharmaceutical production and equipment manufacturing.

She commended AMA’s expansion, hailing it as a significant step towards bolstering economic growth, healthcare self-sufficiency, and regional cooperation in Africa’s pharmaceutical industry.

She underscored the project’s role in reducing import dependency, strengthening the local healthcare value chain, and fostering economic growth as per President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda.

The DG highlighted the project’s broader significance, emphasising its potential to improve healthcare access across Africa.

“The reason we are excited in this project is not only about producing for Nigeria, but also producing for Africans.

Vice President Kashim Shetima said in the light of the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a growing recognition of the importance of prioritising national health security.

Shetima, who was represented by Dr Uju Rochas-Anwukah, his Adviser on Public Health, said the establishment of a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical facility with European technology underscored the need for a robust health infrastructure that could respond effectively to health emergencies and ensure the country’s healthcare resilience.

Furthermore, he said the expansion of AMA’s pharmaceutical facility was expected to create job opportunities and empower the youth in Nigeria.

“Investing in the manufacturing sector will engage the talents and skills of the country’s citizens, contributing to economic growth and national development.

“The move towards technological advancements and innovation, particularly in stem cell production and In Vitro Diagnostics (IVDs), vaccines, and biologicals, demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to becoming a hub for cutting-edge healthcare technologies in Africa.

“The establishment of a manufacturing plant of this scale not only benefits Nigeria but also offers salvation to other African nations.

This is particularly in West Africa, by easing their access to the Nigerian market and fostering regional collaboration and partnerships.

Earlier, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, said the construction of the second phase of the plant was set to boost the Federal Government’s drive in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and equipment locally.

Also, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate,
the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said the government of President Tinubu had recently launched a new initiative called “Unlocking the value chain” in an effort to address health emergencies.

Pate said the initiative aimed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the health sector by streamlining processes and improving coordination between different

The initiative will focus on improving access to healthcare services, strengthening the healthcare system, and enhancing the capacity of healthcare workers.

“By identifying and addressing bottlenecks in the value chain, the government hopes to improve the overall quality of healthcare in the state and ensure that Nigerians received the care needed in a timely manner,” he said.

Mr Musa Bello, Chairman of AMA Investment Holdings, outlined phase two’s objectives, which included establishing solid formulations for oral dosages and venturing into stem cell and blood product manufacturing.

He said the groundbreaking ceremony for phase 2 was a significant milestone in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry, aligning with President Tinubu’s commitment to unlocking the country’s healthcare value chain.

He highlighted AMA’s expansion as a strategic move towards achieving economic self-sufficiency in pharmaceuticals and bio-industry, reducing import dependency, strengthening the local healthcare value chain, and promoting economic growth.

He underlined the country’s dedication to addressing health emergencies and enhancing health infrastructure.

Moreover, Bello underscored job creation and youth empowerment through investments in the manufacturing sector, showcasing advancements in technology and innovation.

He highlighted Nigeria’s pivotal role in regional and continental trade, particularly in the healthcare sector.

Dignitaries at the event included the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, and other government officials.

AMA Medical Manufacturing Limited, founded in 2019, is based in Kaduna Industrial Layout.

Since its inception, the company has been at the forefront of advancing medical manufacturing, with a vision to address critical healthcare needs.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), on Thursday, said the Federal Government is on the path of restoring the glory of natural medicine.

The Director-General of the agency, Prof. Martins Emeje, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the ongoing Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Expo taking place in Abuja.

He said that: “Before colonialism, Nigerians used natural medicines to cure all manner of illnesses and diseases,” adding that with the coming of foreign products, including medicines, Nigerians developed taste and patronised such goods over locally made ones.

Emeje, however, disregarded the belief that natural medicines are old and overtaken by advancements in technology.

According to him, technology is an aid that is helping to modify the study, processing and packaging of natural medicines.

He also said that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government is focused on building a better Nigeria where the common man will benefit from the nation’s socio-economic development.

He said, “our vision is to see how Nigerians can begin to believe in themselves first, because convincing people that foreign drugs are also from plants is not the issue.

“We need to tell people that what we have thrown away, this government is bringing it back.

“In the next two to three years, what the agency is doing as part of its contribution to the Renewed Hope Agenda,  is to ensure that the hope of our people is renewed.

“We are renewing the hope of Nigerians who do not have access to imported drugs and depend on herbs.”

Emeje added that people who lack access to orthodox and imported drugs shouldn’t feel less about natural medicines.

He explained that, “years before colonial masters, our people were taking care of their health, and many never had access to orthodox medicines but they survived with herbs in their surroundings and lived longer.”

NAN reports that the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Expo is being organised by the STI Ministry, and has innovators, inventors, exhibitors of technological wares, research institutes, universities, institutions of government, participating.

The STI expo, holding from March 11 to March 15 has “STI: Solutions to National Economic Challenges” as its theme.(NAN)(www.nannnew.ng)

Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu