World Kidney Day 2012 (WKD 2012) is a global health awareness campaign focusing on the importance of the kidneys and reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide. It also aims to nourish healthy behaviors, and encourage kidney donors. The campaign is celebrated every year on the second Thursday of March in more than 100 countries on 6 continents. WKD is a global action jointly organized by the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF).
The 2012 Campaign will focus on the positive outcome of kidney transplantation and the life-saving aspect of organ donation. The theme for this year's campaign is “Donate - Kidneys for Life – Receive”.
Internationally Approved Date: 8/3/2012
Locally Approved Date: 15/4/1433H
Theme:
(Donate - Kidneys for Life - Receive)
Targeted Groups:
- Kidney patients and their families.
- Diabetics and patients with high blood pressure.
- The public.
- Health professionals and decision-makers.
Objectives and General Mission of WKD:
- Raising awareness about kidney diseases, as well as their risk, symptoms, complications, treatment and prevention.
- Highlighting that diabetes and high blood pressure are key risk factors for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
- Encouraging systematic screening of all patients with diabetes and hypertension for CKD.
- Educating all medical professionals about their key role in detecting and reducing the risk of CKD, particularly in high risk populations.
- Stressing the important role of local and national health authorities in controlling the CKD epidemic. Health authorities worldwide will have to deal with high and escalating costs if no action is taken to treat the growing number of people with CKD. On World Kidney Day all governments are encouraged to take action and invest in further kidney screening.
- Underscoring the importance of health education and awareness, for preventing the disease and avoiding its complications.
- Improving lifestyle and encouraging preventive behaviors to avoid renal diseases.
- Supporting kidney patients, to help them overcome the disease.
- Encourage Transplantation as a best-outcome option for kidney failure, and the act of organ donation as a life-saving initiative.
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