500-600 people diagnosed with kidney failure every year - Usamate

Health and Medical Services Minister Jone Usamate has said 500 to 600 people are diagnosed with kidney failure every year in Fiji.

While speaking at the Fijian Nephrology Symposium this morning, Usamate also highlighted that there are thousands of people who are suffering from chronic kidney disease at various stages.

He told the participants that the vast majority, as much as 65% is due to diabetes, one of the most burdening NCDs in the country and worldwide while hypertension is another major cause.

Usamate said other causes include stones and prostate problems, lupus and other inflammatory conditions, and genetic problems.

In addition to chronic disease, an estimated 50 to 100 people require dialysis treatment every year for acute kidney injury when they are critically ill and admitted in the Intensive Care Unit.

The Minister said good control of diabetes, blood pressure and management of protein leakage in the urine can delay the progression of kidney disease.

He said the key message that he wants to put forward is to focus on prevention and early detection of kidney disease.