The Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) says 11 per cent of Nigerians are affected by kidney disease.
The nephrologists made this known at a news conference on Tuesday in Maiduguri following the end of their 4-day Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference.
Worried about the rising prevalence, the association gathered in Maiduguri to explore workable solutions to tackle the problem nationwide.
National President of the association, Prof. Jacob Awobusuyi, expressed deep concern over the increasing cases, stating that one in every 10 Nigerians is affected or infected with the disease.
He said the conference—attended by doctors, nurses, medical health workers, traditional rulers, and other specialists in kidney disease management—provided a platform for rich scientific exchange, practical training, and policy dialogue.
Awobusuyi said the event examined innovative approaches to dialysis and transplantation, preventive nephrology, community-based screening, task-shifting, and sustainable financing models.
The conference theme was “Kidney Health in a Resource-Limited Environment.”
He described the gathering as timely, allowing professionals to collectively share experiences.
Highlighting “Chronic Kidney Disease in Women,” the president noted a critical and often under-recognised public health concern.
He said women face unique biological, social, and economic challenges that affect access to kidney care, including pregnancy-related disorders, autoimmune diseases, delayed presentation, and financial dependency, which contribute to poorer outcomes.
“By focusing on this issue, we reaffirm our commitment to gender-sensitive, equitable, and inclusive renal healthcare.
“This conference has provided a platform for rich scientific exchange, practical training, and policy dialogue. We have examined innovative approaches to dialysis and transplantation, preventive nephrology, community-based screening, task-shifting, and sustainable financing models.
“We also explored how digital health solutions, partnerships, and local innovations can expand access to renal services,” Awobusuyi said.
The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and Director of the Kidney Centre at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Prof. Ibrahim Ummate, thanked Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno for providing an enabling environment for the successful and fruitful conference.
He identified major causes of kidney disease as high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, habitual use of herbal or traditional medicines, overuse of over-the-counter drugs, women using bleaching creams, and spraying insecticides and pesticides on agricultural products such as beans and vegetables.
Ummate cautioned people with such habits or risk factors to be careful to avoid developing the disease.
