HARARE, Mar. 11 (NewsDay Live) – Zimbabwe records approximately 1,000 cases of kidney failure each year due to limited access to early diagnosis and treatment, a medical executive has said.
Speaking to journalists during a tour of the Cimas Haemodialysis Centre in Harare, group chief executive Vuli Ndlovu said in a speech read on his behalf by Medco general manager Yvonne Sibanda, that kidney failure had become a significant health concern.
The tour was held as part of World Kidney Day to be commemorated this year on Thursday.
This year’s commemorations are running under the theme: Are your kidneys ok? Detect early, and protect kidney health.
The theme highlights the potentially life-changing impact of early detection and intervention in preventing and managing kidney disease.
“Kidney disease, ladies and gentlemen, is a significant health concern not only in Zimbabwe, due to limited access to early diagnosis and treatment, which could help manage the disease in its initial stages,” said Ndlovu.
“Additionally, Zimbabwe records approximately 1,000 cases of kidney failure each year. However, only about 700 patients are considered to have access to dialysis treatment, leaving many without the care they desperately need.”
Ndlovu said the availability of dialysis services was mainly concentrated in urban areas like Harare, making it difficult for patients in rural regions to receive timely treatment.
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“Regular screening is essential if someone is at risk of kidney disease due to diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems,” he said.
“I strongly encourage routine visits to healthcare providers who can detect kidney issues early, especially for those with risk factors.
“Early detection and timely treatment can significantly slow the progression of kidney disease and improve long-term health outcomes.”
He said the centre provided services to chronic and acute kidney failure patients and kidney transplant services.
“Our dialysis services are supported by an experienced nephrologist, on-site service engineers, skilled intensive care nurses, and dedicated administrative staff,” Ndlovu said.
