By Abdullahi Alhassan
MAIDUGURI — Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has raised concern over the growing burden of kidney disease in the state, attributing a significant proportion of renal failure cases to undiagnosed and poorly managed hypertension and diabetes.
Zulum spoke on Thursday when he visited Umaru Shehu Hospital, Maiduguri, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The governor used the visit to interact with patients and health workers, while stressing the need for stronger preventive measures, early diagnosis and proper management of health conditions associated with kidney failure.
According to him, research has shown that lifestyle choices and a lack of awareness about underlying health conditions were contributing to the rising incidence of kidney disease.
“Some of the outcomes of the research we conducted revealed that the major problem causing kidney diseases had to do with our attitudes and lifestyle,” Zulum said.
He further cited research conducted by a United States-based researcher of Yobe State origin, which, according to him, found that more than 90 per cent of people living with hypertension and diabetes were unaware of their conditions.
“The causes of kidney failure, according to her research, were linked to high blood pressure and diabetes,” he said.
Zulum said his administration would strengthen public health advocacy to promote regular medical screening, healthy lifestyles and early detection of hypertension and diabetes.
“The Government of Borno State will establish a strong institutional mechanism for advocacy. Most cases of renal failure are a result of high blood pressure and diabetes,” he stated.
The governor disclosed that the state government had also released funds for research into kidney-related illnesses and provided grants to assist patients undergoing treatment for kidney diseases.
He urged residents to undergo routine checks for blood pressure and blood sugar levels, warning against self-medication and unhealthy lifestyles.
Zulum noted that prevention and early intervention remained more affordable and safer than treating advanced kidney disease.
The governor also used the occasion to acknowledge the contributions of successive administrations to the development of Borno State.
“We thank Almighty Allah for sparing our lives to witness this historic day. I believe successive administrations have done a lot. I want to express my appreciation to all the previous governors who ruled Borno for doing a great job,” he said.
Zulum added that his administration would continue to build on existing achievements in healthcare and other sectors.
“We are here to see what value we can add to what they have done. Our healthcare system has been strengthened; education was supported, but we shall double our efforts in providing affordable and quality healthcare delivery to the great people of Borno,” he said.
The governor said the Independence Day visit was also intended to identify with patients and health workers and reaffirm his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery across the state.
As part of the visit, Zulum provided cash assistance to patients receiving treatment at the hospital, in a gesture that formed a major highlight of the engagement.
