WORLD KIDNEY DAY (WKD)

Why designate a day dedicated to the kidneys?

Many people are currently not aware that their kidneys are damaged and they might find out too late. The need for dialysis or transplantation can be avoided if kidney diseases are detected early. Mental trauma and the need for excessive expenditure can be avoided if kidney problems are prevented / detected early and treated. Just becoming aware about the kidney, its functions, its problems, and about the causes of kidney disease might help many to prevent / treat kidney disease well in time.

Just like celebrating one's birthday / anniversary etc., designating a day for the kidney helps to concentrate on bringing about awareness with an objective to prevent kidney disease / detect early while still treatment is possible. The ultimate goal is to help lead a good quality of life.

World Kidney day is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology  (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF). Celebrated on the second Thursday in March, the mission being 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.

OBJECTIVES OF WKD

• Raise awareness about our "amazing kidneys" highlight that diabetes and high blood pressure are key risk factors for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
• Encourage systematic screening of all patients with diabetes and hypertension for CKD.
• Encourage preventive behaviours.
• 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. 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.
• Encourage Transplantation as a best-outcome option for kidney failure, and the act of organ donation as a life-saving initiative.

If detected early, Chronic Kidney Diseases can be treated, thereby reducing other complications and dramatically reduce the growing burden of deaths and disability from chronic renal and cardiovascular disease worldwide.

HISTORY OF WKD

World Kidney Day started in 2006 and has not stopped growing ever since. Every year, the campaign highlights a particular theme.

• 2022 Kidney health for all
• 2021 Kidney Health for Everyone, Everywhere: Living well with Kidney disease
• 2020 Kidney Health for Everyone, Everywhere: from Prevention to Detection and Equitable access to care
• 2019 Kidney Health for Everyone, Everywhere
• 2018 Kidneys and Women's Health: Include, Value, Empower
• 2017 Obesity and kidney disease
• 2016 Kidney disease and Children: Act early to prevent it
• 2015 Kidney Health for All
• 2014 Chronic Kidney Disease and Aging
• 2013 Kidneys for Life - Stop Kidney Attack!
• 2012 Donate - Kidneys for Life - Receive
• 2011 Protect your kidneys: Save your heart
• 2010 Protect your kidneys: Control diabetes
• 2009 Protect your kidneys: Keep your pressure down
• 2008 Your amazing kidneys!
• 2007 CKD: Common, harmful and treatable
• 2006 Are your kidneys OK

SO, LETS BE PART! LETS BE AWARE! LETS PREVENT!