Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health, marked a significant milestone on Saturday with the launch of Mulago Hospital’s Kidney Transplant Program in Kampala.
This comes on the heels of a successful transplant operation on December 20.
Recent studies reveal a concerning 13% prevalence of kidney disease in Uganda, affecting the population to varying degrees. Notably, 2% of the country’s citizens face end-stage kidney disease, prompting Minister Aceng to emphasize the importance of this initiative in restoring hope to those affected.
Highlighting the urgency, Aceng shared that, as of June 2023, over 1,000 patients with end-stage kidney disease were undergoing dialysis, with Mulago Hospital overseeing an impressive 1,082 dialysis sessions annually.
In a meeting with the president, Minister Aceng detailed the historic organ transplant performed on Kiyemba Mark Maurice of Munyonyo, Kampala, who received a kidney donated by his brother, Steven Mpagi.
The surgical team, led by Professor Frank Asiimwe in collaboration with doctors from Yashoda Hospitals in India, including Dr. A. Sashi Kiran, successfully executed the operation.
In his remarks, president Museveni praised Mulago surgeons and the Indian medical team, and he pledged support for their goals of self-sustainability in both human resources and essential equipment.
Addressing the broader health landscape, experts warn of a rising tide of non-communicable diseases, with 20% of Ugandans grappling with hypertension, mirroring similar percentages for diabetes and cancer.
The Mulago referral hospital’s Kidney unit boasts two transplant theaters, two intensive care units, one high-dependency unit, and four inpatient admission rooms at HDU level. These facilities were made possible through a government loan aimed at refurbishing the center and acquiring necessary equipment.
Dr. Frank Asiimwe, head of the Uganda transplant program, expressed gratitude for the support received from Yashoda Hospital and highlighted plans to advance from the living donor program.
Dr. Asiimwe also underscored that their ultimate goal is to conduct organ transplants on Ugandans by Ugandans within the country.
Dr. Kasumba John Mark, head of Intensive Care at Mulago Hospital, celebrated this milestone, crediting the success to the maturity of anesthesiology in Uganda, affirming its capability to handle various transplant surgeries.
