World Kidney Day

To raise awareness about the importance of the kidney to our health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and related health problems worldwide, World Kidney Day was born and celebrated on the second Thursday in March every year.

History of World Kidney Day

World Kidney Day is a result of the corporation between the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Foundations of Nephrology (IFKF). World Kidney Day has been celebrated since 2006.

The goals of World Kidney Day are:

- Increase awareness of our kidneys;

- Emphasize that diabetes and high blood pressure are major risk factors for chronic kidney disease;

- Control all patients with diabetes and hypertension, chronic kidney disease;

- Encourage preventive behaviors;

- Educate health professionals about their key role in detecting and reducing the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in populations at increased risk;

- Promote the important role of health authorities in the country and internationally in controlling the CKD patients. On World Kidney Day, all governments are encouraged to take part in.

- Promote organ transplantation as the best outcome option for patients with renal failure, and implement a life-saving organ donation initiative;

- Encourage methods of early detection and prevention of kidney problems to prevent future complications, mortality and disability from chronic kidney failure or cardiovascular disease;

One of the goals of World Kidney Day is to get people checked out to see if they are at risk for kidney disease.

How to celebrate World Kidney Day

All of us need to take care of our health, but it's important to have the support.

• If you are on treatment with medicine, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.
• Learn about conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure that increase your risk of chronic kidney disease.
• Find out if kidney diseases run in your family and update your medical records with your GP.
• Volunteer to support people on dialysis.
• Attend a seminar or get screened at a local clinic.
• Learn about sponsorship programs and consider becoming a sponsor.
• Learn more by visiting www.worldkidneyday.org
• Do not forget using the hashtag #WorldKidneyDay to share your experiences on social media.