Kenyatta National Hospital- Renal Transplant section was on a mission on 13th and 14th June, 2019 to sensitize and inform the public on Kidney Transplantation as one of the key alternatives to Kidney treatment. The clinical staff from the respective hospitals were sensitized on the assessment of transplantability of patients on routine haemodialysis and referral for transplant evaluation.
The common treatment known to the public is haemodialysis. This is where a dialysis machine is used to eliminate waste products and excess water from the body.
Kidney Transplant is a surgical procedure performed to treat kidney failure. In this surgery, kidneys that are not working well (failed) are replaced with a kidney from a donor. It is a life saving choice for most of the patients with end stage kidney disease (Kidney Renal Failure).
Dr. Samuel Kabinga, the team leader, emphasized on the need to stick to the principles guiding kidney transplantation. “Aspects on shared humanity, ethics and science are key for successful kidney transplantation.”
Nyeri County Referral hospital, Embu County Referral Hospital, Kerugoya Hospital and Murang’a Hospital were among the hospitals visited. During the visit, doctors, nurses and patients were sensitized on the benefits of kidney transplant as well as demystifying the myths related to kidney donation. Financial constraints and cultural aspects are some of the notable hindrances to kidney transplant procedures.
