Former Nigerian President Obasanjo Advocates for Legislation Against Organ Trafficking
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasized the pressing need for legislation to combat organ harvesting and trafficking in Nigeria.
He made this assertion on Tuesday during the 36th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the National Association of Nephrology, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.Obasanjo, in a statement by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, urged the National Health Insurance Scheme to significantly increase dialysis sessions, citing statistics that approximately 15% of adult Nigerians suffer from kidney failure.
He stressed the necessity of legislative support, advocating for a new bill to aid affected individuals.Addressing the emerging issue of organ trafficking, Obasanjo called on relevant agencies to review existing laws, particularly those concerning cadaveric donations, while considering Nigeria’s cultural nuances and regulations pertaining to organ donations from living donors.
While commending the National Association of Nephrology for its efforts in advocacy, screening, and enlightenment campaigns to mitigate the prevalence of kidney disease, Obasanjo lamented the alarming number of Nigerians afflicted with kidney problems.
Reports indicate that kidney failure affects one out of seven adult Nigerians, with higher prevalence rates in Africa compared to other regions. Obasanjo highlighted the disproportionate burden faced by Africans, who are four times more likely to develop kidney issues than individuals of Caucasian or Mediterranean descent.
Acknowledging the National Health Insurance Scheme’s provision of limited support for six dialysis sessions, Obasanjo proposed a substantial increase in capacity, drawing inspiration from South Africa and Sudan’s healthcare systems.
In addition to legislative measures, Obasanjo emphasized the importance of raising awareness, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and implementing early detection initiatives to address the challenges associated with kidney disease management.Credit : Punch News