Kenya’s Dialysis Boom: The Rarity of Kidney Transplants Explained

Kenya experiences a low kidney transplant rate of 2.8%, with 707 transplants performed against 5,700 dialysis patients in 2021. Shortages in donor organs and patient preferences contribute to this issue. Health organizations recommend lifestyle changes to prevent kidney disease.

In Kenya, the number of kidney transplants remains strikingly low despite an increase in dialysis treatments. According to the Kenya Renal Association (KRA), only 707 kidney transplants were performed, while 5,700 patients were undergoing hemodialysis in 2021. This results in a transplant conversion rate of merely 2.8 percent, significantly lower than the global rate of approximately 10 percent.

Many Kenyans are seeking kidney transplants abroad, often realizing post-operation that local options would have been more advantageous. Various factors contribute to the low number of transplants, including a shortage of donor organs. Additionally, some patients may not be medically fit for surgery, while others, particularly older adults, may prefer to remain on dialysis rather than face the risks associated with transplantation.

There are specific criteria for kidney donation, predominantly requiring that donors be between 18 and 65 years of age, and that there is compatibility in blood types between the donor and recipient. In addition, the World Health Organization emphasizes several preventive measures against kidney disease: maintaining an active lifestyle, effectively managing blood sugar and blood pressure, eating healthily, and avoiding the excessive use of over-the-counter medications and smoking.

Overall, the disparity between the number of patients on dialysis and those undergoing kidney transplants in Kenya highlights significant systemic challenges, primarily a lack of available donor organs and a general preference among some patients for dialysis due to the associated risks of transplantation. Preventative measures suggested by health organizations could aid in reducing the incidence of kidney disease, thereby potentially improving transplant availability in the future.

Original Source: www.the-star.co.ke