No fewer than 500 beneficiaries have been screened for kidney-related conditions by experts at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.
The screening, alongside sensitisation, was part of activities to commemorate World Kidney Day 2026.
The programme, which was put together by the Nephrology Unit of the hospital on Thursday, saw experts intensifying awareness on the importance of maintaining healthy kidneys.
Speaking to PUNCH Healthwise, the Vice Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Dr. Harriet Yepwi, said the outreach was part of efforts to promote early detection and prevention of kidney diseases.
According to her, early screening remains critical in identifying kidney problems before they progress to life-threatening stages.
“We are collecting urine samples to test for protein and blood, and we are also taking blood samples for what we call serum creatinine and urea. These are markers of kidney injury.
“The aim is to detect problems early so that we can help individuals early and prevent them from ending up with kidney failure,” she said.
PUNCH Healthwise reports that experts have linked rising cases of kidney disease in the country to conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and the misuse of certain medications.
Yepwi, a Senior Registrar at LASUTH Nephrology Unit, said that beneficiaries were also educated on lifestyle practices that support kidney health, including adequate hydration, balanced diets, and regular medical check-ups.
“So this year, we are all about prevention. We are talking to people about how to care for their kidneys so they do not develop end-stage renal disease or end-stage kidney failure, as it is commonly known.
“Once people reach that stage, we start talking about transplants or dialysis, which most people do not want to hear about,” she said.
On how Nigerians can care for their kidneys, she said, “You know it is very hot right now. People need to drink a lot of water. About three litres of water is advised for an individual to take in a day.
“If you are drinking sachet water, that is about six sachets of water. If you are drinking the 750ml bottled water, that is about four bottles. And if you are taking the bigger one, the 1.5-litre bottle, that is about two bottles. So that alone helps a lot.
“When you drink an adequate amount of water, it will also reflect in your urine. We usually say, “drink water for urine to flow.”
According to her, the expected colour of urine should be amber. It should not be deep yellow, black, red, or cola-coloured.
“These are ways individuals can monitor and care for themselves. When you notice such changes, then you should visit a health professional so that you can get proper advice on what to do,” she said.
Aside from taking water, she urged Nigerians to check their blood pressure regularly.
According to her, conditions like hypertension and diabetes also contribute to kidney injury.
“That is why we say people should check their blood pressure regularly. If someone is found to be hypertensive, they will be placed on medications to help keep their blood pressure under control.
“Also, people should check their blood sugar regularly. If someone is found to have diabetes, there are medications and lifestyle modifications that can help keep the condition under control.
“People should also exercise regularly and keep their weight in check. All these things contribute to kidney health,” she said.
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