Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for urgent preventive measures against kidney failure, saying hypertension and diabetes are among the major causes of renal diseases in the state.
Zulum made the call on Thursday when he visited Umaru Shehu Hospital in Maiduguri as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day celebration.
The Governor interacted with patients and health workers during the visit, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and proper management of underlying conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
According to him, research has shown that many people living with hypertension and diabetes are unaware of their health conditions, increasing their risk of developing kidney-related complications.
“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,” Zulum said.
He disclosed that his administration would establish a stronger institutional mechanism for public advocacy, particularly on regular blood pressure and blood 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,” he said.
Zulum also revealed that the state government had released funds for research and provided grants to support patients battling kidney diseases.
He urged residents to embrace routine medical check-ups and healthier lifestyles, noting that preventing kidney failure is safer and less costly than treating the condition at an advanced stage.
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The Governor also commended former governors of Borno State for their contributions to the development of the state, saying his administration would continue to build on their achievements.
He said the Independence Day visit was aimed at identifying with patients and health workers while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery.
Zulum further stated that the state’s healthcare system had been strengthened, while promising to intensify efforts to provide affordable and quality healthcare services to residents.
During the visit, the Governor also gave cash support to patients admitted at the hospital as part of his gesture of assistance to those undergoing treatment.
