Nexus Global Services and Korle Bu Experts Tackle Surging Kidney Disease Crisis Affecting 20% of Ghanaians

Medical experts in Ghana have issued a stark warning that nearly one in five Ghanaians—approximately 20% of the population—may be living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), often without realizing it. As hospitals nationwide report a significant surge in cases, Nexus Global Services, in partnership with the Urology and Nephrology Centre of Excellence at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), recently hosted the 2026 Kidney Patients Workshop to address the growing crisis. The event, held under the theme 'The Road to Kidney Transplantation: Empowering Patients Through Knowledge, Nutrition, and Holistic Care,' focused on providing patients with the critical information needed to manage their condition and navigate the path toward life-saving transplants. The rise in CKD cases is attributed to a combination of environmental and lifestyle factors. Doctors highlight that glomerular diseases are increasingly prevalent, fueled by environmental pollution from illegal mining activities alongside established risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes. Because kidney disease often remains asymptomatic until it has reached an advanced stage, many patients only seek medical intervention when the damage is severe, placing an immense strain on the nation's healthcare infrastructure and dialysis centers. During the workshop, Dr. Rashid Alhassan emphasized that patient education is the cornerstone of better health outcomes. The sessions provided comprehensive guidance on haemodialysis, nutrition, and the psychological support necessary for those facing long-term illness. By focusing on holistic care, the organizers aimed to empower patients to take an active role in their treatment plans. This approach is seen as vital in a landscape where the medical system is struggling to keep pace with the influx of new diagnoses, requiring patients to be well-informed about their dietary needs and mental health resilience. Moving forward, experts advocate for a dual approach of public education and significant healthcare investment. Routine kidney function checks are recommended as a priority for early detection, which can prevent the progression of the disease to total kidney failure. As the burden of CKD intensifies, strengthening support systems and promoting early intervention will be essential to mitigating the impact on the Ghanaian population and ensuring that the healthcare system can sustainably manage the surge in patients.