A Professor of Internal Medicine and Nephrology at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Obinna Onodugo, has cautioned Nigerians against attributing kidney disease symptoms to spiritual attacks, urging early medical diagnosis and treatment to prevent avoidable complications and deaths.
Onodugo, who is also the Chief Medical Director of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, gave the warning while delivering the 256th inaugural lecture of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, titled “Breaking the Chains of Myth: Kidney Disease, African Culture and Tradition.”
He estimated that between 10 and 15 per cent of Nigerians, representing approximately 25 million people, were living with kidney-related conditions. He stressed that kidney disease was not necessarily a death sentence, noting that early detection, appropriate treatment and proper medical follow-up could significantly improve patients’ outcomes.
The nephrologist identified hypertension, diabetes, obesity, glomerular diseases, HIV and other infections, as well as genetic susceptibility, as major contributors to kidney disease. He explained that the condition could manifest as Acute Kidney Injury, AKI, or Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD, which involves abnormalities in kidney structure or function persisting for at least three months.
Citing findings from a medical outreach conducted by his Ibibo Foundation in Abor, Enugu State, involving 1,941 participants, Onodugo disclosed that 11 per cent had chronic kidney disease, while approximately 40 per cent were hypertensive. He added that about 70 per cent of those with hypertension were unaware of their condition, highlighting the dangers of undiagnosed high blood pressure.
UNTH Chief Medical Director Professor Obinna Onodugo delivering an inaugural lecture on kidney disease, African culture and traditional beliefs at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. Professor Obinna Onodugo, Chief Medical Director of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, delivering the 256th inaugural lecture of the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus.
According to him, hypertension accounted for 26 per cent of the identified risk factors in the study, while obesity contributed 14 per cent. He warned that uncontrolled blood pressure and diabetes could progressively damage the kidneys, sometimes without noticeable symptoms until the disease had advanced.
Onodugo also expressed concern over the consumption of potentially nephrotoxic substances, particularly unregulated herbal preparations, certain medications and locally produced alcoholic drinks whose ingredients and safety may not be established.
He explained that some substances could impair kidney function, especially when consumed indiscriminately or over prolonged periods. Addressing the influence of African cultural beliefs, the professor observed that symptoms such as swollen legs were sometimes interpreted as spiritual attacks or consequences of traditional practices, resulting in delayed hospital visits.
He identified cultural misconceptions, financial constraints, and late presentation at healthcare facilities as significant barriers to effective kidney disease management. He, however, cautioned against dismissing African traditional medicine and cultural identity, arguing that potentially beneficial traditional remedies should undergo proper scientific investigation.
“Some traditional medicines may be efficacious, but they need proper study and research,” he said.
The professor called for stronger collaboration between medical practitioners and traditional institutions to improve public understanding of kidney disease, build confidence in orthodox healthcare and discourage harmful treatment practices. He also appealed to traditional rulers to reconsider customary practices involving the presentation of cartons of alcoholic drinks as gifts and encourage alternatives such as books and educational materials.
On prevention, Onodugo recommended regular physical exercise, balanced diets, moderation in alcohol consumption and routine medical examinations, particularly for people with hypertension, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease. He further advocated improved access to kidney care, stronger government policies and expanded health insurance coverage, expressing concern that only about 10 per cent of Nigerians were covered by health insurance, compared with more than 80 per cent in developed countries.
The nephrologist also discussed the role of genetic susceptibility, particularly variations in the APOL1 gene, which are associated with an increased risk of certain forms of kidney disease among people with West African ancestry.
He clarified that carrying high-risk APOL1 variants did not automatically mean an individual would develop kidney disease, explaining that other factors, including obesity, diabetes and certain infections, could influence disease development.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Senate Ceremonials Committee, Professor Ozioma Onuzulike, described the kidneys as vital organs and recalled how kidney-related complications had affected someone close to him.
Onuzulike urged the Federal Government to consider adopting and disseminating inaugural lecture publications as instruments of public health education, noting that research findings from universities could help improve public understanding and address preventable health conditions.
