Preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable

By Linnette Leyi and Steven Arwa

This was the theme for this year’s World Kidney Day which was celebrated on 9th March. Kenyatta National Hospital once again hosted the annual event that was graced by kidney specialists, stakeholders in the health industry, kidney disease patients, KNH staff, and members of the public who also received free kidney screening.

The colorful event started off with a warm-up session and processional walk from KNH to Mbagathi Road through Ngong Road and back. Led by the Kenya Prisons Band, the audience spread the message on promoting kidney health for all.

Dr John Ngigi-Chairman Kenya Renal Association flagging off the walk

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

Speaking during the event, Director Medical Services, KNH, Dr. William Sigilai who represented the KNH CEODr. Evanson Kamuri, EBS echoed the words of previous speakers; “We need to think about the children, women, the elderly and sickly, who are the vulnerable groups during unfortunate events, whether natural or man-made, like drought, the COVID-19 pandemic, war, bandit attacks, and floods among others. These incidents affect their capability to seek and receive treatment and dialysis.”

He reminded the healthcare workers that a lot of work still needs to be done in spreading awareness on screening of high risk groups like patients with diabetes and hypertension, early treatment, and most of all, preventive measures.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Elizabeth Onyango from the Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) Department at the Ministry of Health, speaking on behalf of the Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth and Cabinet Secretary for Health, Susan Nakhumicha applauded the various partners like the East African Kidney Institute (EAKI) and the Kenya Renal Association (KRA) for the strides they have made in improving kidney disease care in the country. “Patients no longer have to travel to India to receive services like transplantation as the services are available in the country. Every county in Kenya has a facility that is capable of offering dialysis services,” she said.

Dr. Onyango reiterated the Ministry’s commitment in promoting Universal Health Coverage by ensuring kidney disease treatment is made affordable, available and accessible. She also assured the audience that various mentioned challenges like high costs of post-transplant medication would be addressed through collaborative effort with relevant partners.

Chief guest Dr. Elizabeth Onyango from the Division of Non-Communicable Diseases MOH giving her speech during the event

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

As we celebrate World Kidney Day, we do not forget transplant patients who have received a new lease of life through the process. Newsline had a brief interview with Ms. Lucy Munanie, a kidney transplant recipient and a mother of one who shared her remarkable journey as a kidney recipient. “I am happy that the person who donated a kidney to me is my father.” She started her journey back in 2013 but she was later diagnosed in 2021 and until she was referred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) where she underwent a successful transplant process. Meeting her along the corridors of KNH whenever she comes for clinic check-up, she is a very jovial individual, and wonderful to have a conversation with.

One thing she attests to is that, “It is much better for one suffering from kidney disease and failure to undergo kidney transplant instead of continuous dialysis which is not easy,” she said. “Kidney transplant allows you to resume a normal life.” Ms. Munanie continues to be a kidney health champion as she calls for people to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

The ceremony which ended with a cake-cutting session and entertainment was also attended by children from Le Pic and St. Ann’s Schools who entertained the guests with poems and songs on the importance of caring for kidneys and preventing kidney diseases.

Students from Le Pic School participating in the warmup session before the walk

PHOTO | STEVE ARWA

MAIN PHOTO | STEVE ARWA Dr. William Sigilai-Director Medical Services giving his remarks during the event