TheCable

Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, has asked researchers to help find the cause of the high rate of kidney failure cases in the state. 

Isa Gusau, spokesperson of the governor, made this known in a statement on Thursday.

The call, Gusau said is a reaction to growing cases of kidney failure affecting citizens.

“Borno state has thrown open invitation to foremost science researchers to submit proposals for investigation into the causes of prevalence in some parts of the state,” he said.

“The researchers will focus on water, environment and other possible causes.

“The invitation, which appears to be a declaration of war against rampant kidney failures, followed a directive issued by the state governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum during his visit to a kidney dialysis centre at the specialist hospital, Maiduguri in December 2019.

“He had during that visit ordered the state ministry of health to commence free dialysis for patients as against the practice of charging N30,000  for periodic session that is sometimes done weekly.”

On his part, Babagana Mustapha Mallambe, the state’s commissioner for science, technology and innovation, said the government is ready to fund the research based on the governor’s directive.

He said the governor in December asked the ministry of science to coordinate the research working with ministries of health and water resources.

”The research would be supported by the state government and focus shall be on water, environment and possible areas identified which might be of interest,” he said.

“Research proposals are to be submitted to Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation on or before 1st March, 2020. Or through Email: [email protected].”