On the second Thursday of March each year, the global community comes together to observe World Kidney Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about kidney health and its significance for overall well-being.

ALSO READ: Kidney transplants now covered under Mutuelle de Santé – RSSB

This year, falling on March 14, the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) took part in the international effort by organising a conference on Friday, March 15.

The conference, themed "Kidney Health for All – Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice”, brought together diverse participants, including medical practitioners, academic staff, medical students, kidney patients, and donors.

Dr Joseph Ntarindwa, a nephrologist and speaker at the conference, highlighted the first milestone of kidney transplantation in Rwanda, initiated in 2023.

Delving into the intricacies of transplant immunology and clinical application, he emphasised the key factors for successful transplants. "The ideal donors are typically immediate family members—parents or children—or individuals with compatible blood group types, especially blood group type O,” Ntarindwa explained.

ALSO READ: World Kidney Day: Rwanda to focus on the 8 golden rules for prevention

"Minimising mismatches between donor and recipient requirements significantly enhances the likelihood of a successful transplant,” he added.

Lt Col Dr Afrika Gasana, a urologist and keynote speaker at the conference, shed light on the collaborative nature of kidney transplantation, involving various healthcare professionals.

He emphasised the vital roles pharmacists play in ensuring easy access to medications and addressing the ethical aspects of organ donation. He also underscored the importance of voluntary donation without any financial coercion.

ALSO READ: How safe is your child from pediatric kidney conditions?

He stressed that organ donors must act out of altruism, with no undue financial influence. Furthermore, any relationships between donors and recipients must undergo scrutiny and approval by the National Drug Authority (NDA).

"A kidney donor must give their organ willingly, without any financial inducement,” Gasana emphasised. "The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) plays a crucial role in ensuring that no large financial transactions occur between the donor and the recipient.”

One of the highlights of the conference was the testimony of Noella Karangwa, who donated her kidney to her father out of love and concern for his well-being.

"At first, many expressed doubts about my decision to donate my kidney, citing concerns about the success rate of such procedures in Rwanda,” she recounted. "However, I am now in good health and thriving,” she added, emphasising the positive outcome of her donation.

ALSO READ: Price cut for treatment of kidney failure now in effect

Martini Karangwa, a kidney transplant recipient, shared his journey to recovery, highlighting the impact of the procedure. "Thanks to the kidney transplant, I have regained my health and I’m able to resume my daily activities,” he shared. "Some even say I’ve been given a second chance at life,” he added.

The transplant panel, led by surgeon Dr Darlene Nyenyeri, underscored the impact of kidney transplants on patients’ quality of life. "Despite the joy surrounding the successful procedures, the financial strain on kidney patients remains a pressing concern,” remarked Nyenyeri.

"Patients are required to cover the costs of each session, ranging from Rwf75,000 to Rwf90,000, three times a week,” she explained.

"While this represents a notable decrease from the previous expenses, which often necessitated travel to India at a minimum cost of $15,000 (approximately Rwf19.2 million), it still places a significant burden on patients and their families,” she said.

Dr Pacifique Hagenimana, a physician at Partner Health Centre, highlighted the severity of kidney diseases, particularly among the elderly, during an interview with The New Times.

"Kidney diseases are known to be one of the leading causes of mortality in the elderly population compared to younger individuals,” he noted, stressing the challenges associated with treatment. Hagenimana proceeded to distinguish between the two types of chronic kidney disease.

"Acute kidney injury often occurs in hospitalised patients with underlying conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, especially in older adults,” he explained. "Fortunately, this type of injury can often be resolved within three months, depending on the rate of kidney recovery.”

"In more severe cases, dialysis may be necessary to temporarily replace kidney function until the kidneys regain their functionality, or transplantation may be considered,” he added.

World Kidney Day serves as a global initiative to enhance access to kidney treatment for all individuals. It seeks to promote early detection of kidney diseases and raise awareness about kidneys' critical role in maintaining overall health.

By reducing the prevalence and impact of kidney diseases worldwide, this observance aims to improve public health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by kidney-related ailments.