Kidney failures: Borno summons science researchers to find causes

In reaction to growing cases of kidney failure affecting its citizens, the Borno state government has thrown an open invitation to foremost science researchers to submit proposals for investigation into the causes of the prevalence of the condition in some parts of the state. The researchers will focus on water, environment and other possible causes.

The invitation, which appears to be a declaration of war against rampant kidney failures, followed a directive issued by the state governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum during his visit to a kidney dialysis centre at the specialist hospital, Maiduguri in December 2019. He had, during that visit, ordered the state Ministry of Health to commence free dialysis for patients as against the practice of charging N30,000  for periodic session that is sometimes done weekly.

Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallambe announced the invitation to the science researchers confirming that the state government is ready to fund the research based on Governor Zulum’s directive. The Governor had in December asked the Ministry of Science to coordinate the research working with the ministries of Health and Water Resources.