The Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) in Sokoto State has successfully conducted its first-ever kidney transplant, marking a significant advancement in Nigeria’s medical sector. The groundbreaking procedure, carried out by a team of highly skilled medical professionals, represents a major milestone in the hospital’s commitment to expanding its specialized healthcare services and reducing medical tourism.
According to sources within UDUTH, both the donor and recipient are in stable condition and responding well to post-operative care. The success of this transplant comes two years after the hospital announced its plans to commence kidney transplant procedures in 2023, reinforcing its dedication to enhancing medical interventions in Nigeria.
The Director of the Institute of Urology and Nephrology at UDUTH, Professor Isma’ila Mungandi, had earlier revealed that the hospital had put in place all necessary facilities and had partnered with the Urology and Nephrology Centre of Mansoura University in Egypt to facilitate the training of its specialists. As part of this collaboration, medical professionals from UDUTH underwent refresher training in Egypt to understand transplant protocols and ensure a seamless operation upon their return.
The successful transplant is expected to help address Nigeria’s longstanding challenge with medical tourism, which has seen thousands of patients seek treatment abroad, costing the country an estimated N2 billion annually. By strengthening its capacity for organ transplants, UDUTH aims to reduce the financial and emotional burden on patients while boosting confidence in the country’s healthcare system.
Kidney disease remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) cases accounting for 8% of all medical admissions and 42% of renal-related hospital cases. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is estimated to affect between 1.6% and 12.4% of the population, with peak prevalence occurring between the third and fifth decades of life. This makes local access to kidney transplants a crucial development in the fight against renal failure in Nigeria.
The UDUTH management has expressed gratitude to the medical team, patients, and all stakeholders involved in the procedure, reaffirming its commitment to advancing specialized medical care. The hospital also reiterated its plans to scale up kidney transplant services to make them more accessible and affordable for patients across Nigeria.
This pioneering achievement positions UDUTH as a center of medical excellence and offers renewed hope to thousands of Nigerians battling kidney disease. With this breakthrough, the hospital has taken a bold step towards establishing itself as a leading institution for organ transplantation in the country, paving the way for future life-saving interventions.
