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, saying hypertension and diabetes cause most kidney failure cases in the state.
The Governor, who used the visit to interact with patients and health workers, said the rising burden of renal failure required urgent preventive action, especially through early diagnosis and proper management of underlying conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
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“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.”
“I can recall that a researcher from the US who is an indigene of Yobe State conducted research, and the outcome revealed that over 90% of those having high blood pressure and diabetes don’t even know they have it. The causes of kidney failure, according to her research, were linked to high blood pressure and diabetes.”
He explained that the state will embark on robust advocacy to curb the rising cases of renal failure across Borno State. The Governor said communities must be educated on regular blood pressure and sugar checks, healthy diets, and the dangers of self-medication.
“The Government of Borno State will establish a strong institutional mechanism for advocacy. Most cases of renal failure are a result of high blood pressure and diabetes,” Zulum said.
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The Governor 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 was cheaper and safer than treating it.
Zulum also commended successive governors of Borno State, saying each of them had contributed to the progress of the state.
The Independence Day visit, he added, was meant to identify with patients and health workers, and to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to strengthening the health sector.
He said, “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.”
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Zulum added, “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.”
The Governor, in his magnanimity, gave cash support to patients admitted at the hospital. The gesture marked the highlight of the visit.
