By : Emmanuel Oti Acheampong
Kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, maintaining a balance of essential minerals, and regulating blood pressure. Despite their importance, kidney disease is often overlooked until it reaches an advanced stage.
This year, World Kidney Day (March 13, 2025) is being observed under the theme “Kidney Health for All: Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice.”
This theme highlights the urgent need for better access to early diagnosis, quality treatment, and medication safety for individuals affected by kidney disease.
The Growing Burden of Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a global health challenge, affecting millions of people worldwide. If left undetected and untreated, CKD can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant to sustain life.
Alarmingly, CKD is projected to become the 5th leading cause of years of life lost by 2040, making it a silent but deadly health crisis.
Who Is at Risk?
Certain conditions significantly increase the risk of developing kidney disease. If you have any of the following, regular kidney check-ups are essential:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Obesity
- A Family History of Kidney Disease
Other risk factors include pregnancy-related kidney issues, autoimmune diseases (such as lupus), kidney infections, frequent and untreated kidney stones, and exposure to environmental toxins. In lower-income countries, kidney disease is often linked to heat stress, snake bites, traditional medicines, and infections like hepatitis B, C, or HIV.
The Importance of Early Detection
The earlier kidney disease is detected, the better the chances of managing and slowing its progression. Simple, non-invasive tests can help identify kidney problems early, including:
• Blood Pressure Check – High blood pressure is both a cause and consequence of kidney disease.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) – Helps assess obesity, a key risk factor.
• Urine Test (Albumin-Creatinine Ratio – UACR) – Detects protein in the urine, an early sign of kidney damage.
• Blood Tests (eGFR & Serum Creatinine) – Measure kidney function and filtration rate.
The Need for Equitable Access to Care
This year’s World Kidney Day campaign focuses on making kidney care accessible to all. Many people, especially in low-income communities, struggle to get proper diagnosis and treatment due to financial constraints, lack of medical facilities, and limited awareness.
Governments and healthcare institutions must integrate kidney health into routine medical care, ensuring that early detection, treatment, and medication safety are priorities.
Your kidneys work hard for you, take care of them! Early detection can save lives. Let’s work together to create a healthier future.
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