Health experts in Ghana are urging parents to take a more active role in their children’s lifestyles to combat the rising cases of kidney disease.
This call was made during the celebration of World Kidney Day 2025 on March 13th, under the theme “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health.”
World Kidney Day, recognized globally, aims to raise awareness about kidney health and reduce the impact of kidney disease and its complications.
In Ghana, the need for increased vigilance is particularly urgent, as many cases of kidney disease remain undetected until they reach advanced stages.
“Kidney disease in children is a growing concern in Ghana, with the major causes being attributed to improper healthy lifestyles,” emphasized Dr. Robert Yeboah, Programs Director for Health Heart Africa PATH, during a sensitization exercise organized in partnership with Kidney Health International and the Ghana Kidney Association.
The event, organized for Senior High School students in Kumasi, aimed to raise awareness about the important connection between lifestyle choices and kidney health.
Dr. Yeboah stressed the critical role parents play in safeguarding their children’s well-being.
“Parents must pay serious attention to their wards’ lifestyles, especially the kind of diet given to them,” he stated. He specifically cautioned against excessive consumption of carbonated and caffeinated drinks, highlighting their detrimental effects on children’s kidneys.
“Parents must pay attention to the kind of food they give to their children, it is not all kinds of soft drinks are good for children, especially those carbonated drinks and other caffeine-related drinks. It is also important to monitor the physical appearance of your children to detect any changes in swollen feet, changes in urine for prompt report for medical diagnosis.”
