BY Issac Asare
The Ghana Kidney Association (GKA) has launched a new website, developed by Innovare Company, to support kidney patients in Ghana. The website aims at providing a platform to educate, support, and to create awareness on kidney disease and its related issues.
Senior Medical Practitioner and member of the GKA, Dr. Nsiah Asare, emphasized the importance of kidney function to the overall health of the human body. He noted that any abnormality in kidney function poses serious problems for the individual. He hinted that, the cost of accessing dialysis, transplant, and treatment remains a significant challenge for kidney patients in Ghana.
He believes the website will address these challenges by empowering and equipping Ghanaians, particularly kidney patients, with knowledge and resources to enhance their kidney health. Dr. Asare hailed the newly launched website as a beacon of hope, a symbol of solidarity, and a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Ghana Kidney Association (GKA).
In a significant move to address the persistent limitations and high costs associated with accessing dialysis, transplant, and treatment for kidney patients in Ghana, the Ghana Kidney Association (GKA) collaborated with Innovare Company to develop an innovative digital platform which seeks to provide accurate and reliable information on kidney disease, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
It also aims to provide comprehensive information on donor’s contributions through the platform to support kidney patients. Dr. Nsiah Asare hinted that,” the platform offers support and resources for kidney patients, families, and caregivers, including access to medical professionals and support groups. “The website serves as a hub for advocacy and research on kidney disease while promoting policy changes and supporting research initiatives to improve kidney health outcomes,” he said.
The President of the GKA, Prof Sampson Antwi, in a remark, commended Innovare for their initiative and reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to advocating for subsidized kidney dialysis while intensifying educational programs to control kidney disease. “The launch of this website represents a significant milestone in our efforts to address the challenges faced by kidney patients in Ghana. We believe that this platform will serve as a valuable resource for patients, families, and healthcare professionals, promoting education, support, and awareness on kidney disease.” He noted.
A kidney patient and member of the GKA, Edward Akufo-Addo, described the new website as a “life-changing solution” for those in need. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure efficiency in this initiative and urged stakeholders, including government agencies, to advocate for policies that make treatment more accessible and affordable. “The platform offers support and resources for kidney patients, families, and caregivers, including access to medical professionals and support groups”
TK Bruce, the Chief Executive Officer of Innovare and a kidney patient himself, shared his personal experience of undergoing dialysis for the past two years. He highlighted the challenges of finding a donor and the need to build structures to support kidney patients in Ghana.
The GKA’s mission is to advance the cause of kidney disease nationally, promoting education, support, and awareness on kidney disease and its related issues ¹. The launch of the new website is a significant step towards achieving this mission.
