By: Joyce Kantam Kolamong
As the world marks World Kidney Day today, Ghana joins in emphasizing the critical role of early detection in preventing kidney disease progression. Kidney disease is a stealthy threat, often silent until its advanced stages, making timely detection vital for effective treatment and management.
Our Northern regional correspondent, Joyce Kantam Kolamong, shares the inspiring story of a man who dodged the bullet of chronic kidney disease thanks to early detection. This heartening account underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive healthcare
REPORT
Meet Francis Alhassan ( not his real first name), a 41-year-old teacher from Pong-Tamale in the Savelugu Municipality of the Northern Region. Francis teaches at one of the public basic schools at Pong Tamale. The father of two, was diagnosed with kidney disease a year ago. A blow that left him devastated, disoriented and mentally sick until he took his health into His own hands. His unfolding story highlights the importance of early detection and the consequences of delayed diagnosis.
“I was feeling tired all the time, and my ankles were always swollen,” Mr Alhassan recalls. “I brushed it off as stress and fatigue, but deep down, I knew something was wrong.”
His symptoms persisted, and he eventually visited his primary care physician at Savelugu government hospital, who ordered a series of tests, including a blood test to check his kidney function. The results revealed that Francis kidneys were functioning at only 30% capacity. He was immediately referred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for further checks where he was put on routine checks and medication.
“I was shocked and scared,” he admits. “I had no idea that my kidneys were failing. If I had waited any longer, I might have needed dialysis or even a kidney transplant.”
Francis’s diagnosis was a wake-up call. He began working closely with his healthcare team to manage his kidney disease. He made lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing his stress levels.
“Early detection saved my life,” he emphasizes. “If I had waited, my kidneys might have failed completely. Now, I am able to manage my condition, and I am grateful for every day I have.”
Francis’s story underscores the importance of early detection in preventing kidney disease progression. Kidney disease is a growing concern worldwide, often masquerading as a harmless condition until it is too late. The absence of noticeable symptoms in the early stages makes it crucial to be proactive about our health.
The Tamale Teaching Hospital has reported a significant increase in cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The facility is seeing at least five to seven new cases of end-stage renal disease every week. Hypertension and diabetes are the leading causes of CKD.
As of 2023, there were 120 patients on dialysis, and over 300 people were diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
In 2024, the numbers were even more concerning. From January to July, more than 150 people were on dialysis, and over 350 people were diagnosed with CKD. It is worth noting that these numbers might not reflect the actual severity of the situation, as some patients might not have been able to access the hospital due to financial constraints.
The hospital also reported that there were 171 new cases of kidney disease in 2024, and sadly, 147 deaths, which included both new and existing patients. Chronic Kidney Disease was 5th in the top ten causes of death at the hospital last year. Most striking is the fact that 11 patients were children between one and 17 years of old who had been living with kidney disease requiring dialysis.
Medical Officer at the hospital’s renal unit, Dr. Umar Aliu, emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment. He notes that many patients are presenting with advanced stages of the disease, making treatment more challenging.
Dr. Aliu says the earliest symptoms of kidney disease include decrease in urine production, puffiness of the face, swelling of the feet, frequent urination at night and other non specific symptoms including recurrent headaches and easy fatigue. The hospital is urging the public to prioritize regular medical checkups and to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms persist
“The truth is, most of the time, you may not even have any symptoms to begin with. The time you’re going to show symptoms is the time that the damage has already been done. You don’t have to even wait before you have headaches because some of them, if not labs that we will do to detect, you may even sit in front of me, and I will not even be able to tell that you have a kidney problem” Dr. Aliu warns.
To combat this, Dr. Aliu recommends frequent medical checkups, “ideally every three to six months, don’t wait, just go to the hospital. If there’s any issue, we will pick it up as soon as possible.”
Dr. Aliu also stresses the importance of hydration, especially in hot weather, to help prevent kidney disease.
The rise in CKD cases is not limited to the elderly, as the hospital is also seeing an increasing number of younger patients diagnosed with the disease.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for awareness, education, and access to healthcare to combat kidney disease in Ghana.
The National Kidney Foundation recommends that individuals at high risk for kidney disease, such as those with diabetes, hypertension, or family history of kidney disease, undergo regular check-ups and screenings.
As we observe World Kidney Day today, let Francis’s story serve as a reminder of the importance of early detection in preventing kidney disease progression. Don’t wait until it is too late – take control of your health today.
