Kenya’s Dialysis Challenge: The Scarcity of Kidney Transplants Explained

Kenya faces a significant gap in kidney transplants with only 160 performed in 2021, alongside 5,700 patients on dialysis. This results in a low transplant conversion rate of 2.8% compared to the global average of approximately 10%. Factors affecting transplant rates include organ shortages, patient health, and preferences for dialysis. Healthy lifestyle recommendations from the World Health Organization aim to prevent kidney disease.

In Kenya, a significant discrepancy exists between the number of patients on dialysis and those receiving kidney transplants. In 2021, there were only 160 kidney transplants performed, in stark contrast to 5,700 patients undergoing hemodialysis. This translates to a transplant conversion rate of merely 2.8 percent, while the global average hovers around 10 percent. Many kidney patients continue to seek transplantation abroad, often realizing post-factum that local options might have been more effective and beneficial.

The limited number of kidney transplants can be attributed to several factors, including a shortage of donor organs. Many patients are not in optimal health for transplantation and may also opt for dialysis. Particularly among older adults, there is a preference for the relative safety of continuous dialysis over the complexities and risks associated with transplants, which involve lifelong immunosuppressant medication to prevent organ rejection.

Donor eligibility is typically restricted to individuals aged between 18 and 65 years, and it is essential for the recipient and donor to have compatible blood groups. To mitigate the risk of kidney disease, the World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Recommendations include regular physical activity, managing blood sugar and blood pressure levels, adhering to a nutritious diet, and avoiding excessive use of over-the-counter medications as well as smoking.

In summary, the challenge of increasing kidney transplants in Kenya boils down to a shortage of donor organs, health complications among patients, and personal preferences for dialysis. Awareness of the benefits of local transplantation versus overseas options remains essential. Furthermore, preventive measures endorsed by the World Health Organization can significantly reduce the incidence of kidney disease.

Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke