Government through the Ministry of Health has encouraged Malawians to undergo regular body screenings to keep their health in check and detect diseases at an early stage.

The sentiment has been made by Deputy Minister of Health Halima Daudi during the commemorations of World Kidney Day, which took place at Likuni Boys Secondary School Ground in Lilongwe.

Daudi said kidney disease cases are increasing among Malawians, and many cases are diagnosed at a later stage, which is difficult to treat.

In her remarks, Kidney Specialist Dr. Mercy Mkandawire said herbs are one of the contributors to kidney failure when taken without prescription.

Mkandawire added that kidney failure cases have increased after the COVID-19 pandemic because during the pandemic, many people were using herbs.

Currently, there are 300 people in Malawi suffering from kidney failure and are receiving dialysis medication.