Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-07 19:43:05
Medical doctors at Mulago Hospital reported on March 7th that the first patient to receive a kidney transplant, along with the donor, are both in good health more than two months after the successful procedure. Professor Frank Asiimwe, the transplant surgeon who led the operation alongside medical experts from Uganda and India, shared that the transplant patient is progressing well and being monitored every two weeks. The patient is reportedly happy and responding positively to the treatment.
Additionally, Professor Asiimwe mentioned that the donor is also doing well and is currently seeking employment. He expressed the need for job opportunities for the donor, highlighting that both the patient and donor are in high spirits following the transplant surgery.
Discussions for a second kidney transplant have already commenced, although specific timelines were not disclosed. The initial patient, a 24-year-old individual, was discharged in early January after undergoing the surgery on December 20, 2023.
Under the new Uganda Human Organ Donation and Transplant law, the illegal sale of organs and payment for organs have been prohibited to prevent organ trafficking. The law allows compensation for living donors for lost earnings and expenses related to organ donation, as well as payment for technical services in regulated settings.
Professor Asiimwe made these statements during an announcement at the Health Ministry headquarters in Kampala regarding an upcoming surgical exhibition at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on March 26, with President Museveni expected to attend. The exhibition aims to showcase the advancements in surgical interventions in Uganda and address existing gaps in infrastructure, training, and funding.
Dr. Diana Atwine, the Ministry of Health’s Permanent Secretary, emphasized the need to recruit more specialists to enhance the capacity for medical care within the country. Recruiting additional healthcare professionals and procuring necessary medical supplies could reduce the need for patients to seek treatment abroad and increase the number of kidney transplants performed locally.
According to Ministry of Health data, 13% of Ugandans are affected by kidney disease, with 2% requiring kidney transplants due to end-stage disease. Currently, there are over 1,000 patients with end-stage kidney disease receiving dialysis treatment in Uganda.
Overall, the successful kidney transplant at Mulago Hospital reflects the progress in surgical interventions in Uganda and the potential for expanding healthcare services within the country. With continued investments in healthcare infrastructure and human resources, more patients can access life-saving treatments locally, reducing the need to seek medical care abroad. The positive outcomes of the transplant surgery demonstrate the dedication and expertise of the medical team involved, paving the way for future advancements in surgical procedures and organ transplantations in Uganda.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
