Kidney Health For All

It was a day filled with mixed emotions. I still recall the drive to the University Hospital of the West Indies to meet with the nephrologist regarding my dad’s appointment. My dad, Fitzroy has Stage 4 kidney disease. The year was 2018 and the month was August. Prior to this devastating news, I was aware of renal failure. My aunt Madge, my mother’s younger sister died from renal failure in 1982. Her funeral service, which was held at the Jamaica Evangelistic Centre where she was a member, is etched in my memory. My aunt who died in her 30’s was among the first Jamaicans to have had a kidney transplant performed locally. The day in question, my younger brother and I accompanied our dad to his appointment. Dad was referred to the nephrologist by the family doctor. My dad’s diagnosis was met with anxiety, uncertainty, hope and relief. Why relief, one might ask? There was relief because during those moments of uncertainty the doctor told us that dad would not require dialysis. Dialysis takes an enormous toll on a patient’s body as well as on their finances. Sadly, in the public health care system, one is usually placed on a waiting list due to fact that there are not enough dialysis machines. Unfortunately, some patients will have to die before a dialysis machine is available. Nephrology is a specialized area of medicine confined to the management and treatment of those with kidney disease. Every year, people around the world mark World Kidney Day. The day is set aside to raise awareness concerning kidney health and the growing impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In 2026, World Kidney Day will be observed on 12 March, with activities taking place across the globe and continuing throughout the year. The theme this year is "Kidney Health for All – Caring for People, Protecting the Planet".. The theme focuses on the link between environmental factors such as pollution, heat, and climate change and kidney health, while urging sustainable, eco-friendly healthcare practices marking its 20th anniversary. This campaign highlights the need for sustainable, equitable access to care and early detection to manage the rising global burden of Chronic Kidney Disease. Chronic kidney disease happens when the kidneys are damaged for more than a few months. The kidneys clean the blood by removing waste and extra fluid, which leaves the body as urine. They help control blood pressure and balance salt and minerals. The kidneys also help the body make red blood cells and keep bones strong. In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, you might not feel sick or have any symptoms. You might not know that you have kidney disease until the condition is advanced. Healthcare professionals can find kidney disease through blood and urine tests. These tests look for high levels of waste in the blood or unusual things in the urine, such as protein or tiny amounts of blood. They also might use tests such as ultrasound or CT scans to look at the kidneys. Kidney Disease Statistics. Nearly 800 million to 850 million people worldwide are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD), representing more than 10% of the global population. Cases have more than doubled since 1990 due to aging populations and diabetes, with CKD now ranking as the 9th leading cause of death globally. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that affects 300,000 Jamaicans, yet remains largely under the radar for many. It is characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time, often going unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages. 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. Stages of Kidney Disease. There are five stages of kidney disease. To learn what stage you have, your healthcare team performs a blood test to check how well the kidneys are working. This blood test is called the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The eGFR measures how much blood the kidneys filter each minute, recorded as milliliters per minute (mL/min). A low eGFR number means the kidneys are working less well. When the kidneys no longer work at the level needed to keep a person alive, it's called end-stage kidney disease. This happens when you have an eGFR under 15. There is a significant gender and sex component to kidney disease, with distinct differences in prevalence, progression, and care between men and women. Generally, women have a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), while men have a faster progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and a higher need for kidney replacement therapy (dialysis or transplant). It takes a village approach to both manage and treat kidney disease. On this World Kidney Disease Day, let us be reminded of all the stakeholders who are involved in caring for those living with kidney disease. It is important that we take care of our kidneys by getting regular checks and by managing our overall health. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo ©