22/07/2026
My people of Tamale, let's talk truth about Kidney Failure. It's becoming too common in our area these days.
At Tamale Teaching Hospital alone, they see about 25 kidney cases everyday and about 58 of our brothers and sisters are on dialysis, some as young as 12 years. 75% of them come to hospital very late, and that is why we are losing many of them.
Why is it rampant here in the North?
1. High BP and Diabetes we don't check. Many of us walk around with high blood pressure and sugar and we don't know. That pressure slowly spoils the kidney.
2. Heat and not drinking enough water. We work under hot sun — farm, market, okada — and we don't drink enough water. That heat + dehydration is injuring our kidneys.
3. Too much painkillers and herbal mixtures. Daily paracetamol, diclofenac, tramadol and those unapproved 'magic' herbs and bitters. Some contain heavy metals and hidden chemicals that damage the kidney.
4. What we eat and drink. Too much salt, maggi, processed foods, sugary drinks and energy drinks. Even some grains in our markets have been found with heavy metals.
5. TTH is the only dialysis center for all 5 Northern Regions. So all cases come to Tamale, that's why it looks like it's exploding here.
Please let's protect ourselves:
- Check your BP and sugar every month
- Drink at least 2-3 litres of water daily, especially in this heat
- Stop abusing painkillers and unapproved herbal concoctions
- Reduce salt and sugary drinks
- Don't wait until you are swollen or can't urinate before you go to hospital. Early is life.
Health is wealth. Let's educate each other. 🙏🏾
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