National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Kwara State Government has taken proactive steps to tackle the rising cases of kidney disease by offering free screenings to over 400 residents at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), Ilorin.
The initiative, organized as part of activities marking the 2025 World Kidney Day, focused on early detection and preventive care under the theme Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health.
Speaking during the event, the Chief Medical Director of KWASUTH, Dr. AbdulKadir Ahmed Bola, stressed the importance of early diagnosis in reducing kidney-related fatalities.
“Kidney disease is a silent killer that often goes undetected until it’s too late. Here in Kwara, we are taking the lead in changing that narrative by expanding screening and awareness campaigns,” he said.
A leading nephrologist and Coordinator of the Ilorin Renal Study Group, Prof. Timothy Olanrewaju, warned that late diagnosis remains a major challenge.
“Many people only realize they have kidney disease when their kidney function has already declined significantly. Regular screening is crucial, especially for those with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or a family history of kidney disease,” he explained.
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the 2025 World Kidney Day, Dr. Dapo Oyedepo, urged the government to strengthen policies that promote kidney health.
“Beyond awareness, we need concrete policies that will make free screenings more accessible and improve kidney healthcare services to prevent life-threatening complications,” he stated.
The event also had in attendance the Provost of the College of Nursing Sciences, Dr. Nihinlola Abdulmalik, and the Head of the School of Basic Nephrology Nursing, Dr. Titilola Segun-Agboola, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and reducing the prevalence of kidney-related diseases in the state.
With the rising cases of kidney disease in Nigeria, the Kwara State Government’s intervention signals a strong commitment to preventive healthcare, ensuring that more residents get tested early to protect their kidney health.
