The Afe Babalola University Multi-system Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, or ABAUD, has performed its first kidney transplant. It was also the first time such a procedure had been conducted in the region.
The treatment was performed on a 46-year-old performer (name withheld) diagnosed with hypertension in 2017 and had not passed urine for six months, resulting in breathing difficulties. He also needed dialysis to stay alive.
Dr Stephen Olawale Oguntola, ABAUD’s Coordinator of the Transplant Programme and Lead Nephrologist, said, “The transplant was done simultaneously on Wednesday, October 13, using a dedicated twin-transplant theatre right here in this hospital, thus making it the first successful kidney transplant in Ekiti/Ondo axis of the country.”
Mr Tunde Olofintila, Director of Corporate Affairs at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, said the patient, who arrived at the hospital on April 12, had been seriously ill in February and was on the verge of death.
One of the doctors at the hospital suggested that he either fly to another healthcare facility in Ekiti State or travel to India for a kidney transplant.
Instead of travelling to India, another doctor advised the patient to try ABUAD.
Following his positive experience at ABUAD Multi-System Hospital in April, the patient inquired about kidney transplantation at ABUAD Hospital, which opened around three and a half years ago.
Commenting on the successful kidney transplant, Dr Babalola said, “This is a milestone for ABUAD but I am not surprised because we have quality equipment that are not available in most parts of Africa.”
