Some kidney patients have urged the government to make medications and dialysis treatment more affordable as the disease continues to affect more people.
Kidney patient Jabulani Nyathi says he has lived with the disease for 27 years but has of late been failing to access proper medication due to the country’s deteriorating economy and rising drug costs.
Nyathi says that he has to miss some dosages as his treatment requires him to have at least $1,000 per month, which at times he is unable to raise.
"I have lived with this disease for 27 years, treatment costs are up to $1,000 monthly. I am unable to afford this as I am not working and sometimes have to miss dialysis due to prohibitive costs," said Nyathi.
Nyathi's call comes at a time some nations observed World Kidney Day last week aimed at bringing awareness about the disease.
"My wish is for the government to make medications and dialysis more affordable for all those affected by the disease, which is continuing to claim more lives as people are not aware of the seriousness of not taking up treatment or missing doses of medications," said Nyathi.
Indications are that there is an increase in the number of people in Zimbabwe with kidney infections, including children.
