By HAJARA LEMAN

A medical expert, Dr Fidelis Linga, has urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles to prevent kidney disease.

Linga, a Senior Registrar, Nephrology Unit, Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe (FTHG), gave the advice on Thursday in Gombe on the occasion of the World Kidney Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2025 World Kidney Day has as its Theme: “Are Your Kidneys Ok? – Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health”.

He emphasised the importance of routine hospital check-ups, a balanced diet, and regular exercise in preventing kidney disease.

He said that poor habits such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, junk food intake and a sedentary lifestyle contributed to the rising cases of kidney-related ailments.

“Globally, 850 million people suffer from kidney disease, and sadly, 11 million people die from it each year. This is a worrying trend.

“However, if kidney disease is detected early, it is reversible. That is why we are advocating for early diagnosis and lifestyle changes to protect kidney health,” he said.

Linga disclosed that FTHG was working towards acquiring additional dialysis machines and medical personnel to address the rising burden of kidney disease.

“This effort aims to improve access to life-saving dialysis for patients battling kidney ailments,” he added.

Also speaking, Mrs Fati Mamman, Manager, Nephrology Unit, FTHG, revealed that dialysis services at the hospital were now free of charge.

“Previously, first-time patients pay N65,000, and subsequent sessions were billed at half that amount. But now, the service is free,” she explained.

She further highlighted the increasing demand for dialysis, stating that the unit treats more than 12,000 patients annually.

“Our facility is overstretched due to the daily influx of patients,” she added.

She called for more resources and machines to handle the growing numbers. (NAN)