Rundu Dialysis Centre cautions against traditional remedies

In a region where traditional remedies remain deeply embedded in daily life, experts at the Rundu Dialysis Centre have sounded the alarm over a rise in kidney failure linked to the harmful effects of herbal treatments. Speaking to Namibian Sun earlier this week, the centre’s branch manager Augustinus Alpo warned that although herbal treatments may be culturally significant, their unchecked use can lead to life-threatening consequences.“We’ve received more than 50 patients suffering from acute kidney injury caused by herbal intoxication,” Alpo said. “In some weeks, we treat more than 10 patients with the same diagnosis – all from using unregulated traditional herbs.”Alpo explained that the toxic effects of herbal usage occur when substances from traditional remedies enter the bloodstream and overwhelm the kidneys’ ability to filter out toxins. “The kidney doesn’t give a warning. Today you feel fine, tomorrow it shuts down. There are no early symptoms. That’s what makes it dangerous,” he explained.While Alpo acknowledged that cultural trust in traditional healing is strong, he urged caution and education. “People believe in herbs, but they must understand that not all herbs are safe. Some are damaging the very organs they think they’re healing,” he said. “Too much use over time makes the body intolerant, and it leads to irreversible harm.”Alpo encouraged those seeking healing to consult medical professionals before turning to unverified remedies. “We’re not against culture, but we’re here to save lives. That means using what is proven, safe, and regulated.”Answering a cry for helpOpened in September 2023, the Rundu Dialysis Centre, which is part of the Figo Health network with branches in Walvis Bay and Ongwediva, was established in response to a shortage of functioning dialysis machines at Rundu State Hospital. Before its opening, many patients had no choice but to travel to Windhoek Central Hospital, often leaving behind families, jobs and schools.“This centre was born out of a real cry for help,” Alpo said. “We saw patients drop out of school and lose jobs just to access treatment in Windhoek. We needed to bring the service closer to them.”The centre now serves over 20 chronic dialysis patients from across Kavango East, Kavango West and the eastern parts of the Zambezi region. Patients include both state and private referrals, and the facility has adapted to handle complicated malaria cases in children that resulted in kidney failure – something it had not initially prepared for.Critical resource Despite its critical role in healthcare delivery, many locals remain unaware of the centre’s existence. During a visit this week, Kavango East governor Hamunyera Hambyuka said: “Many people don’t even know we have this place in Rundu. That tells us we need to do more awareness.”Hambyuka also emphasised the importance of continued collaboration with Rundu Intermediate Hospital and the health ministry to ensure seamless referrals and lessen the burden on Windhoek facilities. “If we have centres like this in Rundu, why send our people to suffer travelling long distances?” he said.

Rundu Dialysis Centre cautions against traditional remedies

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-27

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Rundu Dialysis Centre cautions against traditional remedies

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-27

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