La prise en charge de la dialyse au Sénégal : comment rendre les traitements accessibles ?

Kidney failure is a growing reality affecting more and more Senegalese, yet access to vital treatments like dialysis remains a major challenge. With over 750,000 people affected, the need for effective and accessible interventions has never been more urgent. In this article, we will explore the alarming statistics surrounding this disease, the underlying causes of kidney failure in Senegal, and the obstacles that patients, and perhaps even your loved ones, face in obtaining necessary care. We will also highlight innovative solutions that allow families to support their relatives back home.

Kidney Failure Statistics in Senegal

Dialysis is a medical treatment that replaces some of the kidney’s functions, mainly filtering waste and removing excess fluid from the body.

It is essential for patients suffering from kidney failure, a condition where the kidneys can no longer function properly. The aim of this treatment is to maintain the body’s chemical and fluid balance, thus preventing serious complications that can lead to death.

Over the decades, technology has evolved, allowing for more effective and accessible treatments. Today, dialysis is primarily divided into two types: peritoneal dialysis, which uses the peritoneum membrane to filter waste, and hemodialysis, which involves using a machine to filter the blood.

In Senegal, it is estimated that over 750,000 individuals suffer from this disease, an alarming figure that underscores the magnitude of the health crisis related to kidney diseases in the country.

Recent studies have revealed concerning prevalences of kidney disease in specific regions.

For example, research conducted in Saint-Louis among adults aged 18 to 65 years found a prevalence of 10.8% of kidney diseases.

In another case, a study conducted in Guéoul in a general population found a prevalence of 4.9%. These figures indicate that kidney diseases affect a significant part of the population, necessitating urgent and targeted medical interventions.

The causes of kidney failure in Senegal

Kidney failure in Senegal results from a combination of complex factors, encompassing genetic, environmental, and degenerative elements.

However, the most common causes of this disease are diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension), which are major public health issues in the country.

Research conducted in Saint-Louis has revealed that 16.6% of individuals with diabetes also suffer from kidney failure.

Furthermore, a study in Thiès showed that among kidney failure patients, 18.6% were diabetics on insulin or undergoing antidiabetic treatment.

These statistics highlight the interconnection between these chronic diseases, underscoring the need for rigorous management of preexisting conditions to prevent serious renal complications.

Beyond diabetes and hypertension, other factors contribute to the onset of kidney failure.

Dehydration, for example, can lead to reduced blood flow to the kidneys, thus compromising their ability to function properly. Severe infections also pose a significant risk, as they can cause acute kidney injuries.

Additionally, obstructions in the urinary tract, whether caused by stones or other abnormalities, can also lead to deterioration of kidney function. Self-Medication as a Growing Cause of Kidney Failure

In Africa, self-medication with medicinal plants used as remedies for certain diseases adds an additional dimension to the problem.

While these practices are rooted in cultural traditions, they can sometimes lead to adverse effects, thereby exacerbating the risk of kidney failure.

If this method of self-medication is used in 80% of cases, it helps Senegalese in need to heal without having to spend too much money on public medicine.

The problem is that according to a study, which established that renal symptoms were diet-related for 83% of respondents, knowledge about kidneys is limited for most households.

Moreover, without diagnosis and relying solely on traditional medicine, kidney failure can be identified late, thus leading to complications.

The Challenges in Managing Dialysis Patients

The Challenges in Managing Dialysis Patients

Delayed Diagnoses Due to a Lack of Doctors

In 2023, addressing kidney failure remains a major concern in Senegal, despite efforts by the Division of Non-Communicable Disease Control (DLMNT).

One of the main issues is that the diagnosis of kidney disease often occurs at an advanced stage when patients are already in the end phase.

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, the situation is equally alarming: the number of nephrologists is extremely low, with fewer than five specialists per million inhabitants.

In comparison, developed countries have more than 15 nephrologists for the same population.

In Senegal, the situation is particularly dire, with only 37 nephrologists registered with the Medical Association in 2022, equating to about two nephrologists per million inhabitants.

This shortage of specialists creates a significant challenge for the proper management of patients suffering from kidney diseases.

A Lack of Infrastructure and Physicians

In terms of infrastructure, public dialysis centers are only able to meet a third of patient needs.

Private dialysis services, on the other hand, are often financially inaccessible for the majority of Senegalese, making necessary treatments even harder to obtain.

The state has nonetheless acted by opening several dialysis facilities, which have increased ninefold in 13 years.

However, it is important to note, and this also contributes to the problem of inaccessible diagnosis, that most of these centers (28%) are located in Dakar.

Yet, the disparity between the demand and supply of dialysis is striking.

In May 2023, there were 867 patients receiving treatment, while 2,289 others were waiting their turn.

This means that about 27.5% of the requests are effectively addressed. To try to increase their chances of accessing these essential treatments, some patients choose to register at multiple dialysis centers simultaneously. Insufficient Financial Resources by Patients

As explained in a report on NCDs (Non-Communicable Diseases), “Most of these diseases, classified as ‘expensive care diseases,’ are not only responsible for a large number of deaths but also pose a heavy burden for individuals and are difficult to bear for families and communities.”

In this context, dialysis emerges as the primary treatment, but its high cost constitutes a real barrier to accessing care.

Several advances have been made, such as the base price of dialysis decreasing from 86 USD to 17 USD.

The problem is that in the case of kidney failure, numerous analyses must be conducted, a treatment must be followed, and many trips must be made to carry out the sessions. All this adds up to a budget that remains inaccessible for many Senegalese today.

However, to address this situation, a policy of free treatment has been established, aiming to allow patients to benefit from dialysis sessions without financial considerations hindering their access to care.

This initiative is crucial to ensure that all kidney failure patients can receive the treatment they need, as highlighted by the Universal Health Coverage (CSU).

However, the limited number of dialysis centers represents a significant challenge. In May 2023, only 867 out of 2,289 patients requiring dialysis treatments could be accommodated.

Faced with this shortage, many patients turn to private facilities, where treatment fees are often prohibitive.

This phenomenon exacerbates access inequalities, particularly for those living in rural areas, who face a lack of adequate medical infrastructure.

Moreover, these patients often suffer from a lack of information about available treatment options, which can worsen their health condition or lead to fatal outcomes.

How Can Our Loved Ones in Senegal Access Dialysis Care?

How Can Our Loved Ones in Senegal Access Dialysis Care?

Today, many Senegalese suffer from kidney failure and cannot obtain adequate treatment due to lack of resources.

The problem? Even for their families who wish to send them funds for medical purposes, the security and assurance that the money will reach its intended destination is never 100%.

Furthermore, many Senegalese who have migrated to France, for example, work hard to help their relatives back home but find themselves needing to earn more because of numerous exchange fees and transaction costs applied to their fund transfers.

So how to send or receive money from Senegal ?

This is where KimboCare makes a difference by allowing expatriates to directly pay for preventive and curative health services for their families in Senegal.

Now, you can purchase digital health credits so your loved ones can access preventive and curative care services without needing a bank account or a digital currency platform.

This process is simple, direct, and can be carried out from anywhere, at any time. These credits will be immediately usable by patients who will be received in medical facilities always verified and controlled by KimboCare.

Rather than simply sending money, often without a guarantee that it will be used for necessary healthcare or without being able to ensure the quality of care received, health credits offer a transparent and secure solution.

This way, you get real-time tracking of the medical services purchased with the health credits, ensuring that every penny truly contributes to the health and well-being of the recipient.

FAQ

1. What are the main causes of kidney failure in Senegal?

Kidney failure in Senegal is primarily caused by chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Other factors, such as dehydration, severe infections, and self-medication with medicinal plants, also contribute to the increase in cases.

2. What is the availability of dialysis treatments in Senegal?

Currently, the demand for dialysis in Senegal far exceeds the supply. In May 2023, only 867 patients were receiving treatments, while 2,289 others were waiting their turn. About 27.5% of dialysis requests are met, underscoring the need to improve access to care.

3. How can I send care to my loved ones in Senegal?

You can send care to your loved ones through KimboCare, a platform that allows you to purchase digital health credits. These credits provide access to preventive and curative medical services in verified facilities, without requiring a bank account. This ensures that the money sent is used directly for necessary healthcare.

4. What types of dialysis are available in Senegal?

The two main types of dialysis available in Senegal are peritoneal dialysis, which uses the peritoneum membrane to filter waste, and hemodialysis, which uses a machine to purify the blood.

5. What measures is the government taking to improve access to dialysis?

The Senegalese government has opened several dialysis facilities in recent years, increasing their number ninefold in 13 years. However, challenges remain, including the concentration of most centers in Dakar and the high cost of treatments. Initiatives to make dialysis free are also underway to ensure that all patients can access the necessary care.