Every year, on the second Thursday of March, it is World Kidney Day (WKD), a Global campaign to raise awareness about the importance of Kidney health.
Now I know youths on social media tend to make fun of having an extra kidney as start-up capital because kidneys are said to cost a fortune on Black markets, but, this should not be a joke by itself, instead a reminder of how crucial it is for one to have healthy kidneys, because of their vital role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing.
First commemorated in 2006, WKD was initiated by the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF). Since then, it has grown into a global movement involving healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), according to the Rwanda Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences is defined as a decreased glomerular filtration rate, an increased excretion of urinary albumin, or both.
It is a condition in which kidneys experience gradual damage, leading to a decline in their ability to filter blood effectively, accumulating it in the body.
Research conducted in 2019 indicated that CKD is prevalent in Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa with 15.8 percent and 17.7 respectively in the general population.
In Rwanda, the prevalence ranged from 4 to 24 percent, based predominantly on proteinuria as a marker in 2019. This prompted the government to devise means of curbing the cases as treatment was costing over 900 million francs a year paid either by individuals or the government.
In November 2022, leaders in the Ministry of Health in the country, in partnership with King Faisal Hospital and American institutions of organ transplant facilities established Kidney transplant nephrology programs in Rwanda.
The following year, on 13, March 2023, the parliament passed a law-No 012/2023 regulating the use of the human body, organs, tissues, cells, and products of the human body for therapeutic, educational, or scientific purposes.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry Of Health (MOH), the law was passed to “enable the performance of lifesaving medical procedures for many patients affected by terminal organ failure within the country”.
Months later, in May 2023, the country conducted its first successful kidney transplant at King Faisal Hospital, a huge and significant milestone.
Signs that your kidneys are not in good health and need attention
According to Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of CKD can be ‘confusing’ as they can be related to other illnesses. Nevertheless, this is what you should look out for to determine your kidney health;
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Vomiting
Fatigue and weakness
Sleep problems
Urinating more or less
Decreased mental sharpness
Muscle cramps
Swollen feet and ankles
Dry itchy skin
High Blood Pressure (hypertension) that is difficult to control
Shortness of breath and Chest pain.
This year’s theme, is Kidney Health for All, with a major focus on advancing equitable access to care and optimal medication practice.
The World Kidney Organisation states that an estimated 850 million people are affected by CKD worldwide resulting in over 3.1 million deaths in 2019.
Furthermore, the illness ranks 8th among the leading causes of death and if left unaddressed, it is projected to be the 5th leading cause of lives lost by 2040.
As Rwanda continues to make strides in ensuring the services and medication to treat CKD are available and accessible by all citizens, SENS shares tips on how to keep your kidneys healthy.
Stay hydrated: To ensure healthy kidneys, individuals should drink plenty of water throughout the day to help the kidneys function properly and flush out toxins.
Eat a balanced diet: Maintaining a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These may include, but are not limited to; apples-rich in cholesterol and prevent toxins in the body, Cabbages-loaded with Phytochemicals, chemical compounds that remove free radicals before they can do damage, Garlic-has antimicrobial properties that combat plaque in the body, lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation, and onions-contain sulfur compounds which give it a pungent smell and detoxifies the kidney. In addition, intake of sodium, sugar, and processed foods should be limited.
Physical exercise: engaging in regular physical activity to help maintain a healthy weight and promote overall well-being is believed to help keep your kidneys in good shape. Therefore the next time the Rwanda National Police (RNP) sends you a message about Kigali Night Run, or car-free day, before you delete it, first mark the date on your calendar-its for your good.
Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Remember the “Tunywe less campaign”, well if you don’t you should now. According to doctors, Smoking and excessive alcohol intake can damage the kidneys over time, therefore if you care about your health, and you have been engaging in those acts, it’s high time you quit. It may not come easy, but seeing a therapist/specialist can help.
Manage Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar: when it comes to managing one’s blood pressure, most of the things mentioned above like exercising, and having a balanced diet, are of great help. As for blood sugar, a good understanding of what stimulates the level of sugar in the blood is recommended, that way, it is easy to manage, reducing the risk of CKD.
According to the Mayo Clinic, often, there is no cure for CKD hence early detection and management are crucial to help slow its progression and improve quality of life.
Treatment options for kidney disease include medication, dietary changes, and in severe cases, dialysis or kidney transplant.
On this day, let us all raise awareness and support those affected by kidney-related conditions.
