By Josephine Kekeli Amuzu
Senior Nursing Officer of Child Health at Korle Bu, Mrs Juliet Osei Waziri, has raised concerns over the rising cases of kidney disease among children. She linked them to unregulated medication use and poor healthcare practices.
Speaking on the GTV breakfast show on March 11, 2025, Mrs Juliet Osei Waziri stated that in recent years parents have increasingly turned to unprescribed treatments for their children’s ailments, which often leads to severe complications, including kidney failure.
She lamented how this was not a problem in the past. “Instead of seeking medical help, some parents listen to friends who suggest trying different medications and remedies when they see changes in their children, but some of these medications have harmful effects on children’s kidneys,” she noted.
For her part, the General Secretary of the Paediatric Society of Ghana, Dr. Anastasia Prosorova, highlighted that kidney diseases in children can vary by age group. For newborns and infants, a child health specialist said, there are congenital issues that developed during pregnancy and are often the cause.
“These children may be born with structural problems that affect their kidneys. Sometimes, their abdomens appear larger than usual, or they may have other physical differences, which we categorise as syndromes,” Dr. Prosorova explained.
Despite these medical concerns, many parents still resort to herbal treatments, hoping for a cure.
She stated that she does not condemn the use of herbal medicine. However, she warned that some herbal remedies contain harmful substances that can further damage the kidneys, especially in children. “We do see cases where herbal treatments are used, but often, by the time the child arrives at the hospital, the condition has worsened,” Dr. Prosorova stated.
As part of this year’s World Kidney Day awareness campaign, they urged parents to prioritise hospital visits for any signs of illness in their children. Early medical intervention can prevent complications and improve treatment outcomes.
Parents are advised to watch for warning signs such as swelling, changes in urine patterns, and prolonged fatigue.
