Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has pledged stronger government action against kidney-related diseases, including increased public awareness, medical research and financial assistance for affected patients.

Zulum made the commitment during an Independence Day visit to a hospital in the state, where he interacted with patients and healthcare workers and assessed some of the challenges confronting those receiving treatment.

The governor identified hypertension and diabetes as major contributors to kidney failure, urging residents to take preventive healthcare more seriously. He also advised the public to undergo regular medical examinations, maintain healthy diets and avoid the dangers associated with self-medication.

According to him, greater emphasis would be placed on educating residents about kidney disease as part of efforts to reduce its impact across the state.

Zulum said his administration had already begun responding to the challenge by funding research into kidney-related illnesses and providing grants to assist patients undergoing treatment.

He stressed that prevention remains less costly and less difficult than managing advanced kidney failure, making early detection and healthier lifestyles important components of the state’s healthcare strategy.

The governor also used the occasion to acknowledge the contributions of previous administrations to Borno’s development, noting that progress in sectors such as healthcare and education had been built over time.

He said his government would seek to strengthen those gains, particularly by expanding access to affordable and quality healthcare for residents.

The visit ended with a financial gesture to patients admitted to the hospital, with Zulum providing cash assistance to help ease the burden of their medical expenses. He described the visit as an opportunity to identify with both patients and health workers during the Independence Day period.