As the Ghana Kidney Association (GKA) engages stakeholders to make dialysis accessible and affordable to persons with kidney diseases, there is a call for the general populace to lead healthy lives.

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are the two major leading causes of kidney ailments in Ghana, Africa and the world at large.

But President of GKA, Professor Sampon Antwi, is particularly cautioning illegal miners in Ghana to be wary of the implications in the use of heavy metals in mining.

"Our brothers in the galamsey business are also not spared," said Prof. Antwi. "There are a lot of environmental toxins from heavy metals like mercury and the gold itself that can also damage the kidneys. So we appeal to all to lead healthy lives that can protect their kidneys".

The Ghana Kidney Association is a professional body that is responsible for the promotion of healthy kidneys through education on preventive measures and also treatment of all people who are suffering from kidney diseases.

In the heat of public uproar on the cost of dialysis, the association is hoping the government offers more in terms of funding dialysis in Ghana, or at least keeps the current cost unchanged.

"We are in talks with the government to see how it can actually make some concessions in the cost of importation of dialysis consumables so that the price will stay within the amount that will be affordable by the many who are suffering from kidney disease," said Prof. Antwi, a Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist, and Head of the Child Health Directorate of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

Persons diagnosed with kidney disease are advised to report early to the hospital and keep appointments with their doctors all the time, while adhering to their medication. 

"Even though you've been diagnosed with the disease, those measures will really slow down progression to the end stage where you will need dialysis," emphasized Prof. Antwi.