By: Francis Abedi
In a concerted effort to stem the rising tide of kidney disease among children, health experts in Ghana are calling on parents to take a more active role in shaping their children’s lifestyles. This urgent appeal was made at this year’s World Kidney Day 2025, celebration on March 13th, with the theme “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health.”
The day, globally recognized, aims to amplify awareness about kidney health and mitigate the impact of kidney disease and its associated complications. In Ghana, the urgency is particularly pronounced, with many cases remaining undetected until advanced stages.
“Kidney disease in children is a growing concern in Ghana, with the major causes being attributed to improper healthy lifestyles,” emphasized Dr. Robert Yeboah, Programs Director for Health Heart Africa PATH, during a sensitization exercise organized in partnership with Kidney Health International and the Ghana Kidney Association. The event, held for Senior High School students in Kumasi, focused on educating them about the vital link between lifestyle and kidney health.
Dr. Yeboah stressed the critical role parents play in safeguarding their children’s well-being. “Parents must pay serious attention to their wards’ lifestyles, especially the kind of diet given to them,” he stated. He specifically cautioned against excessive consumption of carbonated and caffeinated drinks, highlighting their detrimental effects on children’s kidneys.
“Parents must pay attention to the kind of food they give to their children, it is not all kinds of soft drinks are good for children, especially those carbonated drinks and other caffeine-related drinks. It is also important to monitor the physical appearance of your children to detect any changes in swollen feet, changes in urine for prompt report for medical diagnosis.”
Dr. Akua Bakoma Agyeman, a pediatric nephrologist at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, echoed Dr. Yeboah’s sentiments, emphasizing the pivotal role of early detection. “A child’s lifestyle plays a key role in maintaining healthy kidneys, and therefore parents play a crucial role. Early reporting of kidney-related diseases helps to prevent them. It is therefore important for parents to report early warning signs when identified especially changes in children’s urine output, feet and faces for early diagnosis,” she asserted.
The sensitization program, a part of the Healthy Heart Africa initiative, underscored the importance of promoting healthy habits such as balanced diets, regular physical activity, and limiting screen time. These lifestyle adjustments are crucial in preventing kidney disease and ensuring children lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
In Ghana, where kidney disease poses a significant public health challenge, the message is clear: parents must prioritize their children’s kidney health. Parents can play a decisive role in protecting their children from this debilitating disease by fostering healthy lifestyles and recognising early warning signs. The call to action is now, urging families to embrace the 2025 World Kidney Day theme: “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health.”
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