Jigawa State Government has raised an alarm over the growing cases of kidney disease, largely linked to rising diabetes and hypertension rates.
The concern was expressed by the State Commissioner for Health, Abdullahi Kainuwa, during the Annual Physician Week organized by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Hadejia town.
Kainuwa highlighted how the increasing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension is contributing to chronic kidney disease in the region.
“The incidences of diabetes and hypertension are skyrocketing, and everybody knows the contribution of diabetes and hypertension to chronic kidney disease,” he noted.
He provided statistics showing the strain on state hospitals, with 147,924 visits for hypertension and 94,000 for diabetes recorded in 2023. Additionally, there were about 9,448 visits for sickle cell disease treatment.
In response to the escalating health challenge, the Jigawa State Government is set to implement several initiatives aimed at making critical care more accessible to residents.
Kainuwa announced that by March next year, dialysis will be provided free of charge for all kidney patients from Jigawa.
“We are building free Kidney Dialysis centres at the headquarters of the five emirate councils of the state — Dutse, Hadejia, Kazaure, Ringim, and Gumel — by March next year,” he said.
Further, from January, the state government plans to offer free treatment for diabetes, hypertension, and sickle cell disease across state-owned health facilities.
These efforts underscore Jigawa’s commitment to tackling kidney disease and improving health outcomes for its residents.
