World Kidney Day

World Kidney Day History

World Kidney Day is dedicated to informing people about the importance of kidney health and reducing the impact and frequency of kidney disease. The day aims to raise understanding of how essential the kidneys are to the overall health and well-being of an individual. A focus is placed on risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and genetic predispositions which can lead to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and the necessity of early diagnosis and treatment.

The establishment of World Kidney Day dates back to 2006. It was a joint initiative by the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations. For South Africa, a nation where kidney disease is increasingly prevalent, this day holds significant importance. With one in seven adults in South Africa having CKD, the threat of kidney disease cannot be overstated. Critical factors like high HIV prevalence, rising rates of diabetes and hypertension, as well as lifestyle habits make South Africans particularly vulnerable. Thus, the observance of World Kidney Day educates, promotes the importance of having regular kidney checks and encourages the adoption of healthy lifestyles.

In South Africa, World Kidney Day is observed through activities such as health education seminars, community outreach programs, and media engagements to spotlight kidney health. There is an emphasis on the prevention and control of risk factors for CKD, in line with the global call to action. Public and private healthcare providers collaborate to deliver these messages across the nation. South Africa acknowledges World Kidney Day on the second Thursday of March each year.

Facts about World Kidney Day

• The theme for World Kidney Day in 2025 was Detect Early, protect kidney health. The theme in 2024 was Kidney Health for All – Advancing equitable access to care and optimal medication practice. In 2023 the theme was Kidney Health for All – Preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable.
• Kidneys are essential organs with a lot of responsibility. According to worldkidneyday.org, your kidneys are responsible for making urine and removing any waste or extra fluid from your blood. They help control your body's chemical balance and your blood pressure and they also keep bones healthy. They even help the body make red blood cells.
• The leading cause of Chronic Kidney Disease is diabetes. Diabetes results in high blood sugar levels, which causes organ damage and affects the kidneys abilities to filter waste.
• South African healthcare company, Netcare, often uses World Kidney Day as an opportunity to share facts and insights about kidney health, as well as common kidney diseases in South Africa, to increase public awareness and knowledge.
• South Africa performed the first living donor kidney transplant in Sub-Saharan Africa in 1966.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for World Kidney Day

Top things to do in South Africa for World Kidney Day

• Drink plenty of water - 6 to 8 cups daily. Water helps keep your kidneys healthy by helping them flush out waste.
• Smoking increases the risk of kidney cancer by 50%. If you or someone you know smokes, why not try quitting? Smoking reduces the flow of blood to the kidneys which can cause them to operate inefficiently.
• Attend Awareness Events or Walks: There may be organized walks or runs in South Africa to raise awareness for kidney disease.
• Read a book to learn more about kidney health:
  Kidney Transplantation: A Guide to the Care of Transplant Recipients - by Dianne B. McKay and Steven M. Steinberg
  Management of Chronic Kidney Disease: A Clinician's Guide - by Mustafa Arici: Another universal book that helps to understand the basics and challenges of managing kidney disease, which is a common issue in South Africa, given the high rates of hypertension and diabetes.