Dietitians and health experts have called for greater awareness of preventive nutrition and early health screening as effective measures to combat kidney diseases and other non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.
The call was made during a one-day seminar organised by the Institute for Dietetics in Nigeria (IDN), Oyo State Chapter, to commemorate Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist Day and World Kidney Day 2026.
The seminar, themed “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” with a focus on “Kidney Health for All – Caring for People, Protecting the Planet,” was held on Thursday at Jericho Specialist Hospital in Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, the Oyo State Chairman of the Institute, Tunde Ajobo, emphasized that preventive health measures remain one of the most effective strategies for protecting kidney health and reducing the burden of chronic diseases.
In his presentation titled “Kidneys, Climate and Chronic Disease: Why Prevention Protects More Than Lives and Dietary Management of Kidney Diseases at Different Stages,” Ajobo explained that the kidneys play a vital role in maintaining the body’s internal balance by filtering blood, regulating fluids and controlling blood pressure.
According to him, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cardiovascular diseases gradually damage the kidneys if not properly managed.
Ajobo warned that conditions once considered common among older adults are increasingly affecting young people due to sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits and environmental factors.
“Prevention does not only protect individual lives. By reducing the number of people who develop kidney failure, we also reduce medical waste, conserve water used for dialysis treatments and lower energy consumption in hospitals,” he said.
He therefore urged Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles, including balanced diets, regular physical activity and routine medical checks to detect early signs of kidney problems.
Also speaking at the seminar, nutrition expert Fasan Temitope Oluwole highlighted the importance of nutrition in child development and overall public health.
He noted that the first five years of life represent a critical period for brain development, stressing that proper nutrition during this stage significantly influences a child’s cognitive ability and learning potential.
Oluwole also raised concerns about the prevalence of “hidden hunger,” a condition caused by micronutrient deficiencies.
According to him, many individuals may appear healthy but still suffer from deficiencies in essential nutrients such as vitamin A, iron, zinc and iodine.
“Hidden hunger prevents children from achieving their full physical and intellectual potential, and this has long-term consequences for national development,” he said.
Another presenter, Abiola Anuoluwapo Akinada, explained that nutrition involves the process through which the body takes in food and utilizes it for energy, growth, tissue repair and the regulation of body functions.
She identified the six major classes of nutrients required by the body as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.
Akinada stressed that malnutrition remains a major public health challenge globally and in Nigeria, noting that poor nutrition contributes significantly to childhood illnesses and mortality.
She added that proper nutrition strengthens immunity, improves energy levels, enhances mental performance and helps prevent diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and certain cancers.
In her welcome remarks, the host of the seminar, Hellen Titilayo Ilori, Chief Consultant at Ring Road State Hospital, called on families and communities to prioritize nutrition education and healthier eating habits.
She noted that adopting balanced diets and healthy lifestyles would help reduce the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the country.
