Port-au-Prince, March 14, 2026.- On the occasion of World Kidney Week, the nephrologist Audie Métayer, invited to the show Panel Magik on Radio Magik9 13 March, called on the Haitian population to strengthen the prevention and screening of kidney diseases. Often silent, renal failure is usually related to diseases such as hypertension, diabetes or certain infections.
According to the specialist, renal failure usually does not appear suddenly. It usually results from the progressive evolution of diseases that damage the kidneys over time.
Among the most common causes are high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Other diseases, such as certain infections, such as hepatitis or leptospirosis, may also affect the kidneys. Complications may also occur in people living with HIV or with sickle cell anaemia.
The doctor also recalls that factors such as urinary infections, kidney stones, cysts, trauma or some congenital malformations may lead to deterioration of renal function.
Late signs
One of the peculiarities of kidney diseases is their silent evolution. For several years, a person can live with kidney disease without having symptoms.
When the disease becomes more advanced, there may be signs of oedema (swelling of the body), dizziness, headache, vomiting, loss of appetite or high blood pressure. Anemia can also be an indicator, with kidneys playing a role in blood production.
When renal function falls to about 10%, the kidneys can no longer perform their role, forcing the patient to use dialysis, explains the specialist.
Environment also pointed at
During World Kidney Week, the focus was on the impact of the environment on kidney health. According to Dr. Métayer, some substances in the air or water may contribute to the development of kidney disease.
He cites in particular the composition of water consumed in Haiti, which is often rich in calcium, which can promote the appearance of kidney stones, commonly called « pyè nan ren « .
Recommended prevention and screening
In the face of these risks, the specialist stresses the importance of screening, especially for people with hypertension or diabetes. It also recommends regular monitoring of kidney function from 40 years of age using blood tests.
To preserve kidney health, he recommends adopting certain habits: drinking about two litres of water a day, practicing regular physical activity and limiting the consumption of salt, sugar and alcohol.
A challenge for the Haitian health system
Finally, Dr Métayer points out that the management of renal failure remains a major challenge in Haiti, due to the limited number of dialysis centres and specialists.
He called for the establishment of new dialysis centres in public hospitals, as well as for collaboration between the State and specialized institutions to train more nephrologists. It also recalls that renal transplantation remains the only definitive treatment, with dialysis being just a replacement treatment.
W.A.
