2011 statistics indicate Brunei has one of the highest kidney disease rates in the world after Japan, Taiwan and the USA

Temburong - A fourteen per cent increase in the number of renal replacement therapies being carried out annually in Brunei Darussalam has seen the number rise to 601 as of October, 2012, compared to 524 at the end of 2010.

The Acting Temburong District Officer, Suhara Fadzali Haji Mohd Yusop revealed during his opening speech yesterday at the Knowledge Convention 2012 Forum for the Temburong District that statistics from 2011 indicated Brunei has one of the highest number of kidney disease cases in the world after Japan, Taiwan and the United States of America.

This was stated during the Knowledge Convention 2012 held at the Dewan Utama and Dewan Belalong in conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 66th birthday.

The guest of honour at the event was the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah.

"More than 60 per cent of kidney disease is caused by chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which can be avoided by practising a healthy lifestyle," said the Acting District Officer.

He also said that the treatment and managing of kidney disease is costly, where in the 2009/2010 financial year, the Ministry of Health spent seven million dollars on medication and equipment for treatment.

"Every year, the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam spends B$22,000 to B$40,000 for every dialysis patient; where the cost of kidney surgery alone reaches B$100,000 depending on the condition of the patient and complications after surgery," he added.

The Acting District Officer stated that the continued cooperation, unity and commitment from all parties in organising suitable programmes to increase the understanding, awareness, education, control and prevention of kidney disease is crucial.

The forum entitled 'Kidney Disease' was chaired by Grade 2 Consultant at RIPAS Hospital, Dr Haji Ahmad Yazid bin Haji Abd Wahab along with other panel members Dr Jackson Tan, a Nephrology specialist from the Renal Service Department of the Ministry of Health; Dr Zurianah bind Haji Abd Karim, a senior medical officer from the Health Services Department of the Ministry of Health; Dr Abdul Nasir bin Haji Abdul Rani, the Director of Postgraduate Studies & Research Centre of the Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University and Awang Jaludin bin Awang Tuah, a former patient.

The panel members discussed issues relating to kidney disease, which is now one of the largest causes of death in Brunei Darussalam.

The panelists gave a wider explanation about the disease and the treatments available in government hospitals, programmes available at the Health Service Department; symptoms of kidney disease, an Islamic perspective on kidney disease, responsibilities of individuals towards health, healing recommendations and regulations and examples of medication in Islam. The forum concluded with an experience sharing session by a former kidney patient.

In addition to the forum, a Knowledge Convention exhibition was also held yesterday which continues until today between 9am and 12pm as well as 1.30pm and 4pm at the Dewan Belalong.

The exhibition displayed quotes from His Majesty's titah regarding the importance of health and healthy living, the history of Islamic figures in medicine, the statistics of Brunei's health status, information and interactive displays on non-infectious diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and obesity, health care body mass index interactive chart health checks and quizzes for members of the public. Around 400 people were present at the Knowledge Convention 2012 comprising heads of department, Penghulus, village heads, branch and association representatives in Temburong as well as students from secondary and primary schools in Temburong.