According to Centers for Disease Control in PNG, Chronic Kidney Disease is one of the top 10 causes of death in PNG and is ranked 6th.
Consulting physician at the PNG Kidney Foundation Dr Cassius Maingu, in an interview with the Post-Courier said this disease is common in the adult population and the age group ranges from 40 to 60 years.
“The main cause of it in PNG is the lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and having high lipids of cholesterol in the blood for a longer period of time which contributes to developing CKD.
“CKD is when the kidneys are no longer performing their normal functions of removing wastes products from the body. These products tend to accumulate for a period of time making the individual feel unwell,” he said.
He said the PNGKF Dialysis Centre provides the machines for the patients to come in and be hooked up to these machines so their blood is cleaned.
“This is a function the kidney does without us knowing about it. This disease is a big burden at the Port Moresby General Hospital.
He said at the hospital, the observation is that the bigger contributing cause is from lifestyle disease.
“We need doctors, nurses and technicians who are involved in CKD set up such as the dialysis centre.
“Currently, we have Dr Steven Bogosia in Malaysia training to become PNG’s first nephrologist.”
Source : Post Courier / PNG Health Tips
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