In Nigeria, patients with kidney failure face significant challenges in accessing dialysis care, with high costs and limited availability of treatment centers. The country has just over 200 dialysis centers, mostly located in major cities, making it difficult for many patients to receive timely care. This has resulted in a substantial financial burden on patients, with out-of-pocket expenses increasing with the number of treatment sessions. A 2024 study found that most Nigerians requiring haemodialysis pay for treatment out of pocket, exacerbating the challenges they face.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God's (RCCG) His Love Foundation has been working to address these challenges for over a decade. Through its healthcare program, the foundation has been installing dialysis centers, ICUs, and diagnostic units inside public hospitals across Nigeria. On September 24, the foundation commissioned the Enoch and Folu Adeboye Dialysis Centre at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, further expanding access to kidney care. The center was commissioned by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The His Love Foundation has made significant contributions to Nigeria's healthcare sector, with interventions recorded in 650 local government areas across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. According to the foundation's website, it has commissioned 10 dialysis centers, four intensive care units, a correctional center referral hospital, two ambulances, a cardiac diagnostic unit, a primary healthcare center, and two X-ray facilities. These interventions aim to reduce the financial burden on patients and improve access to healthcare.
The foundation's healthcare program has evolved over the years, moving beyond occasional medical outreaches to providing specialized equipment and facilities within public and teaching hospitals. One of the foundation's early projects was the Intensive Care Unit at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), commissioned in 2017. This was followed by ICUs at Plateau State Specialist Hospital in Jos and Redeemer's Health Centre in Mowe, Ogun State.
The commissioning of the Enoch and Folu Adeboye Dialysis Centre at FMC Asaba is a significant addition to the foundation's efforts to expand access to kidney care. The center will provide patients in Asaba and surrounding areas with access to dialysis care, reducing the need for them to travel long distances to receive treatment. This is particularly important, as research has highlighted the challenges patients face in accessing diagnosis and treatment, including the geographical concentration of kidney care services.
The RCCG's His Love Foundation has demonstrated a commitment to improving healthcare in Nigeria, with a focus on providing specialized care to patients with kidney failure. The foundation's interventions have helped to reduce the financial burden on patients and improve access to healthcare. With the commissioning of the Enoch and Folu Adeboye Dialysis Centre, the foundation continues to play a vital role in addressing Nigeria's kidney crisis.
The impact of the His Love Foundation's healthcare program is evident in the lives of patients who have benefited from its interventions. By providing access to dialysis care and other medical facilities, the foundation has helped to improve the quality of life for patients with kidney failure. As the foundation continues to expand its healthcare program, it is likely to have an even greater impact on healthcare in Nigeria.
Key points
- RCCG's His Love Foundation has commissioned 10 dialysis centers across Nigeria.
- The foundation's interventions extend across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with impact recorded in 650 local government areas.
- The Enoch and Folu Adeboye Dialysis Centre at FMC Asaba is the latest addition to the foundation's healthcare program.
