The Chief medical Director of Abia Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, has made history as the first African-based board member of International Society For Apheresis (ISFA). By this he has become the first African-based physician and only the second Black person in the history of the global body to hold such a position.
Dr Okwuonu, a Consultant Nephrologist, with the collaborative efforts of his team, has been very instrumental in combating kidney related diseases in the South East in particular and Nigeria in general.
South East geo-political zone with an estimated population of 36 million (about 18% of Nigeria’s population, has 12 federal and state-owned tertiary institutions and 18 kidney and dialysis centers.
According to Dr Okwuonu, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the zone is about 7.3%, implying that 1 out of every 13 adults may have a marker of kidney disease.
The prevalence of kidney-related diseases in Nigeria has made it imperative for conscious efforts including researches towards curbing the menace as well as its effective management to be intensified.
The global burden of kidney disease is enormous and it is estimated that 10% of adults in Nigeria have a marker of kidney disease.
According to statistics, end-stage kidney disease in Nigeria constitutes about 8% of medical admissions and 42% of kidney-related admissions.
Pathetically, access to renal replacement therapy in Nigeria is limited and mortality rates are very high, ranging from 40 and 50%.
In view of the crucial role of this delicate organ to life, plus the usual cost implications of managing kidney diseases, government and relevant stakeholders are sparing no efforts in the fight against the menace.
One of those who have contributed meaningfully in the fight against this menace is Dr Chimezie Okwuosa. His efforts towards the improvement of healthcare, not only in the South Eastern Nigeria but to the world in general cannot be overemphasized. It can be recalled that Dr. okwuosa was the Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Abia State Chapter.
