Ziguinchor hemodialysis patients raise alarm over care difficulties

Hemodialysis patients in Ziguinchor have highlighted the challenges they face, including high treatment costs, blood shortages, and insufficient infrastructure. Their concerns were raised during a blood donation, awareness, and chronic kidney disease screening day organized by the Senegalese Association of Hemodialysis and Kidney Failure Patients at the Ziguinchor Regional Hospital Center. Dr. Mamadou A. Bâ, a nephrologist at the hospital, noted that chronic kidney disease is a significant public health challenge, causing high mortality and requiring expensive care. He stated that at least fifteen patients are seen daily, including new cases, emphasizing that early screening is crucial for detecting this often silent disease. Dieynaba Diédhiou, president of the local branch of the Association of Hemodialysis Patients, described the patients' reality as difficult, with transport costs, medication, and medical tests becoming unbearable for many families. She called for a larger hemodialysis unit to meet the growing needs of patients in the region. Massaër Seck, secretary general of the Senegalese Association of Hemodialysis and Kidney Failure Patients, echoed these concerns, acknowledging existing efforts but stressing that more support is needed, particularly regarding the high cost of medical tests. He emphasized that hemodialysis patients can live long lives with appropriate medical and social support.