Kidneys play an essential role in the functioning of the human body, but if not properly protected, they can pose dire, life‑threatening consequences.

As Ghana joined the global community to mark World Kidney Day on March 12, 2026, commemorated annually on the second Thursday of March to raise awareness, a private health practitioner has shared important tips on protecting kidney health.

According to Priscilla Asabea Sarpong, a Physician Assistant at the Bogoso Government Hospital, the celebration serves as a constant reminder to draw public attention to the importance of kidney health and the dangers associated with kidney diseases.

She explained that while many people know that the kidneys filter waste from the blood, few understand the full range of its functions.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb during a health outreach at Awate in the North Dayi District of the Volta Region, Sarpong noted that the kidneys produce important hormones such as renin, calcitriol, and erythropoietin.

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These hormones, she said, regulate blood pressure, support calcium and phosphorus absorption, and stimulate the production of red blood cells to aid oxygen delivery in the body.

She further emphasised that the kidneys also regulate the body’s pH levels and maintain electrolyte balance, making them indispensable to human survival.

Given their importance, she urged the public to adopt healthy habits to safeguard kidney function.

Key preventive measures she highlighted included adequate hydration, regular health checks, and adherence to medical advice.

“It is our duty to make sure we protect our kidneys from damage or harm. How do we do that? We stay hydrated. Men should drink at least 3.5 litres of water daily, and women at least 3 litres. If you are chronically ill for example, hypertensive or diabetic, you must visit the nearest hospital or facility to check your blood pressure,” she said.

She cautioned against relying solely on unverified herbal remedies to treat chronic illnesses, stressing that improper treatment could worsen kidney damage.

With the high cost of kidney treatment and dialysis, Sarpong called for a more holistic approach to prioritising preventive measures and avoiding complications that could lead to death.

“If dialysis is expensive, and you have to go to the hospital three times a week for treatment, then why don’t you protect your kidneys?” she added.

Watch the interview below:



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