“When one person is sick, the whole community is sick.”
The timeless wisdom above underscores how healthcare is not only about personal well-being but also a collective reflection of a society’s strength. In my global travels as an entrepreneur and through my engagements with varying cultures through the opportunities working in this amazing industry has given me, I have witnessed the profound interconnection between individual health and the vitality of entire communities; and in Africa, this connection holds true. Despite being a mosaic of diverse cultures, we share a deep sense of unity and interconnectedness across our continent. In the same vein, we are also plagued by the glaring healthcare disparity that threatens our future.
With a 2050 vision where 1 in 4 people will be African due to a youthful population filled with vibrant potential, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) threatens the realisation of this promise as a significant prevalence of the disease is amongst the continent’s youth population.
However, diseases like malaria, HIV, and various respiratory illnesses often take the spotlight, and rightfully so, as they also demand immediate attention and resources. Still, CKD is silently plaguing Africa, and its impact is far-reaching, so much so that I no longer consider it just a healthcare concern but a growing epidemic; the statistics are sobering. CKD is at least three to four times more prevalent in Africa than in developed nations, with implications that extend beyond health; affecting livelihoods, families, and friends.
The daunting fight against chronic kidney disease in Africa:
The battle against Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) hinges crucially on the availability of dialysis machines, which are essential for performing Hemodialysis, the process of replicating a healthy kidney’s vital filtering functions in patients. Sadly, the shortage of dialysis machines in Africa is an unfortunate reality. Hemodialysis infrastructure in Nigeria, for example, is inadequate, lacking essential utilities and support services. The implication of this glaring shortage is long wait times for patients, further compounding their suffering; not to mention the financial aspect, which is equally ominous.
Hemodialysis costs an average of $50 or N40,000 per session, exceeding the monthly minimum wage ($40 or N33,000) in Africa’s biggest economy, Nigeria. This renders it financially out of reach for nearly 50 per cent of the population who live below the poverty line. Those who can sell their properties and raise the money for treatment must also face manpower-related challenges, such as staff shortages and low motivation due to unfavourable remuneration and poor work environment. They must contend with incessant strikes plaguing the medical workforce, particularly in the public sector. How about the unavailability of qualified physicians due to the brain drain of healthcare professionals seeking greener pastures?
In the face of these crises, individuals often resort to alternative treatments out of desperation. They seek solace in over-the-counter medicines, alternative remedies, and even faith healing, driven by the prohibitive cost of orthodox treatment, lack of infrastructure, and manpower-related challenges. The emotional and psychological toll of CKD pushes some to resort to diabolic means in search of a cure, potentially compounding the issue due to concoctions that should be nowhere near the human kidney. These are the harsh realities we confront in our quest for healthcare equity.
The power of cross-sector collaboration: A polio parallel
CKD is a battle that demands the same level of urgency and collaboration that we witnessed in the successful campaign against Polio in Africa. Just as Polio requires a multifaceted approach, so does CKD. This is a cross-sector challenge that requires governments, philanthropists, healthcare organisations, and the private sector to unite in purpose.
We can take a leaf out of Thailand’s fight against CKD. In Northeast Thailand, where one in four people suffer from the disease, the Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention in Northeast Thailand (CKDNET) program finds strength in the collaboration and partnership among hospitals, government agencies, NGOs, educational institutions, and media publications working hand-in-hand to raise awareness and treat the alarming issue.
“Through my life experiences, I’ve personally seen Kidney illnesses make even the wealthiest men struggle to keep it together financially. It’s worse for the poor and middle-class.”
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What drives my commitment to addressing CKD in Africa is more than just data and statistics. It’s in my personal stories, and the stories of individuals who have, and continue to, face this relentless adversary. It’s the heartbreak of families burdened by the financial strain of treatment. I have seen the despair and the resilience of CKD patients, and their stories have ignited my passion to make a difference. I am compelled to act not merely as a philanthropist but as a Nigerian and African, who understands the stakes.
Africana Couture, the brand I lead, has become a vehicle for this vision. Since 2019, we’ve consistently covered the medical bills of patients in four national hospitals in Abuja: Gwagwalada Hospital, Kubwa Hospital, Nyanya Hospital, and the National Hospital. Each month, we allocate up to a million Naira for this purpose, directly aiding those affected by kidney disease and other ailments. However, our commitment goes beyond monetary contributions. I am using my platform to raise significant awareness, advocate for policy changes in the Nigerian government, and collaborate with other NGOs. The urgency of this mission cannot be overstated.
CKD is a collective responsibility
As Africans, we are bound by a shared history, and the health of one is the concern of all. In this pursuit of healthcare equity, I see hope; one that transcends fashion, transcends boundaries, and transcends the confines of our pursuits. Together, we can fashion a healthier Africa, where every life is valued, every individual is cared for, and where healthcare equity is the cornerstone of our future.
I believe in a healthier Africa where CKD is no longer a silent threat but a conquered foe, eliminated through collective efforts in healthcare, prevention, and public health initiatives. It’s a future where healthcare is not a privilege but a fundamental right accessible to all. By harnessing the power of collaboration, partnership, and innovation, we can transform healthcare in Africa, one dialysis machine, one surgery, and one life at a time.
This is not just my vision; it’s our vision, and the time to act is now.
Oransanye is the CEO of Africana Couture; a fashion brand that has evolved from traditional Nigerian attire to urban clothing and accessories with stores in Nigeria, Abidjan and Daka
