The Komfo Anokye and Korle Bu Teaching Hospitals in Ghana are among selected study sites in five African countries being used for a study into the extent of genetic factors in the cases of renal problems.

The five-year research is being done concurrently in South Africa, Ethiopia and two other countries on the continent.

Dr. Perditer Okyere of the Renal Department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital made this known to GBC’s Garden City Radio in Kumasi on the occasion of the World Kidney Day.

Dr. Okyere disclosed that the a steady rise in the reported cases of kidney problems at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital adding that five cases of renal ailment are reported at the Hospital on almost daily basis.

According to her, at the D4 and D6 Lying In Wards, about five of every 10 kidney patients have their conditions at the advanced stage making the prevailing situation very serious.

Dr. Okyere mentioned chronic infection, overweight and diabetes as the most common causes of kidney problems with side effects of medications, inflammation, hypertension and genetics being other factors.

To this end, Dr. Okyere has entreated Ghanaians to endeavour to maintain proper body weight, while strictly complying with their prescribed medication to stay healthy.

She said she and her colleagues have already started public education, using the mass media, to inform members of the public about the causes, effects and prevention of the disease.