1 in every 7 persons in Fiji has Chronic Kidney Disease - Dr Tudravu

1 in every 7 persons in Fiji has Chronic Kidney Disease - Dr Tudravu

By Alipate Narawa
Thursday 14/03/2024
Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr Jemesa Tudravu

1 in every 7 persons in Fiji has Chronic Kidney Disease.

Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr Jemesa Tudravu highlighted this at the World Kidney Day celebrations at the Fiji National Kidney Centre in Nadera.

Dr Tudravu says Chronic Kidney Disease is a severe illness that causes a gradual loss of kidney function, leading to various complications, including high blood pressure, anemia, weak bones, and kidney failure.

He says its symptoms may be subtle or even absent in the early stages, leading to the disease often going unnoticed.

With symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, dry and itchy skin, muscle cramps, lower limb swelling, shortness of breath, and urinating too little or too much are seen as kidney disease progresses.

He says the causes of Chronic Kidney Disease are varied and can include genetic factors, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain infections.

The Permanent Secretary also says unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking, an unhealthy diet, and a sedentary lifestyle contribute significantly to the development of this disease.

He says Chronic Kidney Disease is a crucial health issue that is exerting a profound impact on individuals and families, healthcare systems, the society, and the economy as well.

Dr Tudravu says the annual incidence of stage 5 chronic kidney disease in Fiji is high and estimated to range from 753 to 938 per million population, which is four to five times higher than that of nearby Australia in 2013.

Chronic Kidney Disease is the fifth leading cause of years of life lost in Fiji, and it is a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular disease, with a higher risk of cardiac death compared to individuals without it.

Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease require frequent dialysis treatments or even kidney transplants to survive.

Dr Tudravu says unfortunately, less than 10 percent of adults with Chronic Kidney Disease are aware of their diagnosis, leading to missed opportunities for disease management.

He says this is a serious concern that needs urgent actions.

The Permanent Secretary says early detection and appropriate management can reduce the decline in kidney function by up to 50 percent and may even be reversible.

He is reminding us all to focus on the prevention of NCDs and getting regular health check-ups to to detect these diseases at their early stages.

The theme for World Kidney Day this year is ‘Health for All - Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice’.

Dr Tudravu says it is time to come together and make a significant difference in the lives of the millions of people living with Chronic Kidney Disease and prevent future generations from experiencing its devastating effects.

FEATURE NEWS
Parents pushing children to go out and sell drugs – Father Sigarara
A qualified psychologist has raised concerns on how our society, that professes to be Christian, have become so cold that even parents and adults are ...
4 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Residents from Lami to Nausori likely to face water cuts due to water turbidity
Thousands of residents living in areas between Lami to Nausori are likely to face water cuts due to a steady increase in raw water turbidity levels ...
3 hours ago

18 people undergoing treatment after bus collides with 4x4 vehicle in Lautoka
18 people are currently being treated at the Lautoka Hospital after a Goundar Shipping bus collided with a 4x4 vehicle this afternoon. Police have ...
3 hours ago

Barriers to digital finance leave vulnerable Fijians struggling
Vulnerable groups across Fiji—including elderly villagers, low-income families and rural communities face significant obstacles in accessing ...
4 hours ago

Education Ministry investigates alleged grant misuse and workplace harassment at Ba school
The Ministry of Education is investigating allegations of misuse of the Free Education Grant and workplace harassment at a primary school in Ba, ...
4 hours ago

Bureau of Stats completes Employment and Unemployment Survey, report expected mid 2025
The Fiji Bureau of Statistics has completed its Employment and Unemployment Survey last month, wrapping up a data collection activity that took a ...
4 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Sporting federations demand answers from FASANOC
National sporting federations who are part of Fiji Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee or FASANOC, are still calling for answers and ...
5 days ago

Continuous Radiology and Pharmacy services are now expected at Government Hospitals
Serious concerns are being raised by the public as the Ministry of Health has decided that radiology services and pharmacies at Government hospitals ...
6 days ago

Ratu Wiliame Katonivere declines Presidential nomination after an internal audit and investigation report
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka confirms that President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere decided to decline Rabuka's nomination of him to serve a second term ...
6 days ago

TOP