Zambia kidney foundation calls for more dialysis facilities as disease burden grows

The Kidney Foundation of Zambia has called on the government to establish at least one specialised kidney care facility in each provincial centre to improve access to treatment for patients with kidney disease.

The foundation also urged authorities to ensure consistent availability of medical consumables and reagents through the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency to support continuity of care.

Speaking during the commemoration of World Kidney Day at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka on Friday, Thomson Fungwa commended the government for progress made in improving kidney care services in Zambia.

Fungwa said the country must prioritise prevention, early detection and effective management of kidney disease to reduce its long-term burden.

He cited government support for kidney transplants, improved access to treatment and the availability of immunosuppressant medicines as key developments that have helped ease pressure on patients.

Fungwa also praised collaboration between the National Health Insurance Management Authority and dialysis centres in accredited facilities across provincial centres, including Lusaka and the Copperbelt.

“This partnership is a game changer for many patients,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kennedy Lishimpi, said the government had committed more than K132 million towards the procurement of renal consumables.

Lishimpi said the investment would help ensure that life-saving dialysis services remain available to patients who depend on them.

“Government has prioritised the needs of people living with kidney disease while acknowledging the significant burden the condition places on individuals, families and the healthcare system,” he said.

He added that authorities would continue strengthening preventive health programmes and community-based initiatives aimed at promoting early screening and raising awareness about non-communicable diseases, including kidney disease.

Activities planned for this year’s commemoration included community awareness campaigns, educational events, public walks, blood pressure screening and serum creatinine testing among populations at risk, he said.

“By working together, we can improve early detection, promote healthy lifestyles and ultimately reduce the burden of kidney disease in our country,” Lishimpi said.

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