Stakeholders have called for ethical practices in organ transplantation in Nigeria. This appeal was made during this year’s Living Donor Day, organized by the Clarion Call Care Foundation in collaboration with NISA Premier Hospital in Abuja.
Dr. Obi Ekwenna, founder of the Clarion Call Care Foundation, emphasized that kidney transplantation is a personal decision and highlighted the need for regulatory measures to combat the illegal trade in human organs. He stated, “We are committed to delivering convenient access to exceptional patient care by providing advanced kidney transplantation solutions guided by trusted healthcare professionals.”
Dr. Ibrahim Wada, founder of NISA Premier Hospital, underscored the importance of awareness campaigns in addressing the rise of kidney disease in Nigeria. He remarked, “Donors should be aware that their primary objective is saving lives. We must ensure our practices are exemplary. Nigeria’s kidney transplantation program can be world-class, but we need the government to establish clear guidelines to achieve this.”
Professor Aliyu Abdu, vice chairman of the Kidney Transplantation Association of Nigeria, mentioned that the association is working closely with the government to develop a comprehensive approach involving legislation, law enforcement, public awareness, and ethical organ donation.
In a related address, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, represented by Dr. Kamil Soretire, Director and Head of the Trauma Unit, identified hypertension, diabetes, chronic infection, and the unregulated use of herbal medicines as major causes of chronic kidney diseases.
