Kidney disease a silent killer in SA

Shocking stats echo problems doctors face

THIS week alone, the equivalent of two planeloads of South Africans will die of kidney disease because of a lack of organ donors, the prohibitive price of dialysis and shortage of kidney specialists (nephrologists), according to Stellenbosch University faculty of medicine and health sciences head Professor Rafique Moosa.

Moosa said doctors are facing huge problems in helping patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD):

• A shortage of trained health professionals – South Africa has 1.1 nephrologists for every million people;
•  Inequities in the provision of renal services between rich and poor, and people living in urban and rural areas;
•  A shortage of funds and the high price of dialysis – treatment costs approximately R200 000 per patient per year;
• The small number of organ donors in South Africa – only 4.7 out of every million South Africans are organ donors.

Kidney disease affects millions of people worldwide, including many children who may be at risk at an early age. Some are often born with kidney disorders or acquire them after birth.

The annual World Kidney Day, celebrated last week, focused on kidney disease in children.

Regional manager for Life Healthcare, Border Kei and Port Elizabeth regions Bruce Janssens said as their renal patients spend a lot of time in their renal unit, based at Life Mercantile Hospital, they were committed to providing the best care and keep their doors open 24 hours a day to help patients maintain a schedule that is as normal as possible.