Silent Killer: Governor Zulum Links Rising Kidney Failure in Borno to Unchecked High Blood Pressure and Diabetes
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Thursday, visited Umaru Shehu Hospital in Maiduguri as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day Celebration, raising alarm over the rising cases of kidney failure in the state.
Speaking to newsmen during the visit, Zulum said most cases of kidney failure in Borno, especially within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, are linked to uncontrolled high blood pressure and diabetes, and not what many people speculate.
He said the outcomes of research conducted in the state clearly revealed that lack of proper care and unhealthy lifestyle are the major reasons for the surge in kidney diseases.
“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,” the Governor said.
Zulum referenced a researcher from the United States of America who is an indigene of Yobe State, who conducted research in Borno. According to him, the research revealed that over 90% of those having high blood pressure and diabetes don’t even know they have it.
“I can recall a researcher from the US who is an indigeny of Yobe State conducted research, and the outcome revealed that over 90% of those having high blood pressure don’t even know that they are having high blood pressure. The causes of kidney failure, according to her research, were linked to high blood pressure and diabetes,” Zulum stated.
He lamented that people are careless and do not monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
The Governor announced that the Government of Borno State will establish a strong institutional mechanism for advocacy to curb the rising cases of renal failure. He said the government will embark on robust awareness campaigns to educate communities on regular blood pressure and sugar checks, healthy diets, and the dangers of self-medication.
“Most cases of renal failure are a result of high blood pressure and diabetes. We shall engage on awareness campaigns and see how we shall address the issue of kidney diseases in Borno State,” he assured.
Zulum disclosed that his administration had already taken several steps to address the challenge, including releasing funds for research and providing grants to support patients battling kidney diseases.
He urged residents to embrace routine medical checks and healthy lifestyles, stressing that preventing kidney failure is cheaper and safer than treating it.
The Governor also commended successive governors of Borno State, saying each of them had contributed to the progress of the state.
“We thank Almighty Allah for sparing our lives to witness this historic days. 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. 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.
As part of the Independence Day visit, which he said was meant to identify with patients and health workers, Governor Zulum gave cash support to patients admitted at the hospital to assist with their medical bills.
The gesture marked the highlight of the visit.
More pictures:
