FMC Abuja performs first living-donor kidney transplant

NIGERIA – The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abuja has reached a major medical milestone by successfully performing its first living-donor kidney transplant.

The breakthrough procedure, conducted on May 6, involved a 69-year-old Nigerian man with end-stage kidney disease and a 39-year-old donor, who is a close relative of the patient.

Living-donor kidney transplants are life-saving procedures where a healthy person donates one of their kidneys to someone whose own kidneys have failed.

This recent case at FMC Abuja marks a significant advancement in the hospital’s ability to offer complex and life-changing surgeries.

According to a statement released on Friday in Abuja, the operation was carried out by an experienced in-house medical team led by Dr. Ernest Aniede.

The team included surgeons, nephrologists, nurses, and other support staff, all working together under strict sterile conditions.

Every detail of the surgery was handled with precision to reduce risks and increase the success rate of the transplant.

The hospital’s Medical Director, Professor Saad Ahmed, visited both the patient and donor following the surgery.

He praised their courage and expressed gratitude for their trust in FMC Abuja. He also commended the entire medical team for their dedication and skill.

“This is a proud moment for FMC Abuja and a positive step for healthcare delivery in Nigeria,” said Prof. Ahmed.

“It reflects our ongoing commitment to providing advanced, life-saving treatments to our patients.”

He added that the hospital aims to become a world-class healthcare institution by embracing teamwork, innovative research, and modern technology to improve patient care and training.

Prof. Ahmed also thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting key health reforms and strengthening healthcare services across the country.

He highlighted the president’s role in expanding access to dialysis, boosting funding for kidney disease research, and enhancing medical training.

Both the patient and donor expressed deep appreciation to the hospital staff for their care and professionalism throughout the process. According to the statement, they have both fully recovered and are now awaiting discharge.