Some patients receiving treatment at the Rundu Dialysis Centre in Kavango East say the centre has made a huge impact in their lives.

Before it came into existence, over a year ago, patients would often travel to Windhoek for treatment.

The Rundu Dialysis Centre is the only privately owned dialysis centre in the Kavango Regions.

Before its establishment, treatments took place at the Rundu Intermediate Hospital, but the machines there were not always reliable due to breakdowns.

Patients with kidney failure had to drop out of school or even leave their jobs to receive treatment in the capital city.

Augustinus Alpo is the Unit Manager at the Rundu Dialysis Centre and says the centre took care of 10 local children during the malaria outbreak.

The State hospital referred the children to the dialysis centre after they acquired complicated malaria, causing kidney injuries.

"We did not prepare ourselves for these cases because the machines and consumables that we have is for adults. We had to reach out to countries that are already dialysing kids to at least give us the approach on how we should go about it. We managed to save almost everyone affected by malaria that causes kidney injuries."

Alpo says the centre works closely with the state hospital, making it convenient for the local patients.

"The state or ministry is supportive. When we do the treatment, we also rely on them. They also give guidelines on how to go about it because both of us need that collaboration."

Claris Pangeti is a regular at the Rundu Dialysis Centre. She has kidney failure and comes here three times a week for four hours.

Before the centre opened in Rundu, Pangeti moved to Windhoek for treatment.

"When I heard there was a facility, that's when I decided I have to come back home. Now I'm very happy. I am in my house."

Apart from the medical staff being very patient, she also loves the fact that she is receiving treatment in Rundu.

"They are picking us up from home and taking us back home because, after this dialysis session, you feel so much tired. Even going into a taxi is a challenging thing."

Pangeti says, kidney failure is a manageable condition. Patients must just follow the advice of health professionals.

"At the same time, we don't have to skip dialysis. The moment you skip dialysis, you will have fluid overload and once the fluid comes into your lungs, it will be something serious."

During a tour of the Centre, Kavango East Governor, Julius Hambyuka says locals need to be aware of such a facility in Rundu.

"Many people, when I told them that I am going to the Rundu Dialysis centre, they asked where is that place? Do we have such a place in Rundu? It means the majority never experienced that they can be referred here. They are not aware of the place so I think we need to do more."