February 28 (THEWILL) – The Yobe State Government has revealed that it spends N360 million annually to provide free dialysis for patients battling kidney disease across the state.
Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali, disclosed this while receiving the Special Adviser on Science, Research, and Innovation, Dr. Mahmoud Bukar Maina, and his team from the Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC).
Wali noted that Governor Mai Mala Buni is deeply concerned about the rising cases of kidney failure, particularly in Bade, prompting his administration to initiate research efforts in collaboration with leading institutions, including the London School of Hygiene.
The ongoing study, which aims to determine the root causes of the disease, has seen the collection of over 2,000 blood and urine samples, as well as 500 samples of soil, water, fish, vegetables, and other food items from Bade and Damaturu Local Government Areas.
Dr. Maina, who leads the research project, attributed its progress to the commitment of the BioRTC team and the government’s support.
He explained that while the first phase of the study focuses on environmental and dietary factors, the second phase will target individuals already diagnosed with kidney disease for further analysis.
Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Muhammad Lawan Gana, described the state government’s commitment to kidney disease research as a true dividend of democracy.
He lauded Governor Buni for prioritizing healthcare, emphasizing that many governments fail to invest in critical research initiatives.
Similarly, the Chief Medical Director of Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Baba Waru Goni, commended the government for its continued support of healthcare programs, stressing that such efforts are crucial in tackling public health challenges.
The research project, a first of its kind in the state, is expected to provide insights into the underlying causes of kidney disease and inform policy decisions aimed at curbing its prevalence.
