Introduction:
The World Kidney Day is a global awareness campaign aims at raising awareness of the importance of our kidneys. It is celebrated every 9th of March by organizing many events and campaigns in all parts of the world by community and concerned bodies, with the aim of increasing awareness for everyone, the awareness about preventive behaviors, risk factors and about how to live with the kidney disease. We do this because we want kidney health for all.
Facts about the disease:
- 10% of the population worldwide is affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), and millions die each year because they do not have access to affordable treatment.
- Over 2 million people worldwide currently receive treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive, yet this number may only represent 10% of people who actually need treatment to live
- It is estimated that number of cases of kidney failure will increase disproportionately in developing countries, where the number of elderly people are increasing
- In people aged 65 through 74 worldwide, it is estimated that one in five men, and one in four women, have CKD.
- Non-communicable diseases (such as heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease) have replaced communicable diseases (such as malaria and AIDs) as the most common causes of premature death worldwide.
- Thanks to Allah, chronic kidney disease can be treated. With early diagnosis and treatment, it's possible to slow or stop the progression of kidney disease.
Objectives of the World Kidney Day:
- World Kidney Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide.
- Encourage preventive behaviors.
- Raise awareness that diabetes and high blood pressure are key risk factors for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
- Encourage systematic screening of patients with diabetes and hypertension.
- Educate all medical professionals about their key role in detecting and reducing the risk of CKD, particularly in high risk populations.
- Stress the important role of local and national health authorities in controlling the CKD epidemic. On World Kidney Day all governments are encouraged to take action and invest in further kidney screening.
- Encourage Transplantation as a best-outcome option for kidney failure, and the act of organ donation as a life-saving initiative.
- Encourage drinking sufficient quantities of water to maintain the kidneys.
- Encourage not to take medicine without prescription to maintain the kidneys.
- Encourage to avoid drinking excessive amount of soft and energy drinks.
Theme of World Kidney Day:
My Kidney, My Life
Official Date:
Globally: March 9th, 2017
Locally: Jumada al-Akhira 10th, 1438H
Targeted Groups:
- Kidney patients and their families.
- Diabetics and patients with high blood pressure.
- Health cadres including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, health educators and others.
- Age group of 60 years and older.
- Concerned health organizations.
- The public.
Related links:
• worldkidneyday.org
• kidney.org