Nephrology in Nigeria

The practice of Nephrology in Nigeria dates back to the 1960s when the country gained independence from the UK. The University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, as a college of the University of London, had the first recognised Nephrology unit. Several other units have been established over the years countrywide in federal, state and private institutions, although these units are mainly restricted to the urban parts of the country where an estimated 51.9% of the population now live. These units mainly have the capacity to carry out haemodialysis, with much fewer units having the capacity to carry out peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation. Haemodialysis has been consistently carried out in the country since 1982 with expanding capacity, and renal transplantation since March 2000. Peritoneal dialysis, however, despite being first performed in the early 1960s at UCH Ibadan, is done only in few centres and as acute intermittent peritoneal dialysis due to various challenges which are addressed in this chapter. The chapter also details a summary of the spectrum of kidney diseases, therapies and related research that are available in the country. The peculiarities and challenges faced by those engaged in the care of these patients are also outlined.