THEME 2024: “Kidney Health for All – Advancing equitable access to care and optimal medication practice
INTRODUCTION:
World Kidney Day is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF). In Kenya, world Kidney Day will be championed by the Kenya Renal Association (KRA) which is a professional body of Nephrologists.
World Kidney Day 2024 will be the year of “Kidney Health for All – Advancing Equitable Access to care and Optimal Medication Practice”. The campaign will focus on raising awareness of the importance of ensuring equitable access to appropriate treatment and care for people living with kidney disease, in order to improve their quality of life and delay the progression of the disease.
Achieving optimal kidney care requires overcoming barriers at multiple levels while considering contextual differences across world regions. These include gaps in early diagnosis, lack of universal healthcare or insurance coverage, low awareness among healthcare workers, and challenges to medication cost and accessibility. A multi-pronged strategy is required to save kidneys, hearts, and lives:
- Health policies – Primary and secondary prevention of CKD require targeted health policies that holistically integrate kidney care into existing health programs, secure funding for kidney care, and disseminate kidney health knowledge to the public and the healthcare workforce. Equitable access to kidney disease screening, tools for early diagnosis and sustainable access to quality treatment should be implemented to prevent CKD or its progression.
- Healthcare delivery –Adopt a comprehensive, patient-centred, and locally oriented approach to identify and remedy barriers to high-quality kidney care.
- Healthcare professionals – Addressing the shortage of primary care professionals and kidney specialists. Embracing scientific innovation and utilizing pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic tools for CKD treatment, as well as fostering effective communication and empathy among professionals.
- Empowering patients and communities – Raising awareness about CKD risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, enhancing health literacy about healthy lifestyle choices, and self-care, and promoting long-term adherence to treatment. Involving patients in advocacy organizations and local communities will empower them to make informed decisions and improve their health outcomes
The planned activities and advocacy measures
- Kidney disease awareness walk
- Free health check-ups on blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index and urinalysis
- Free medical advice and psychosocial support for kidney patients
- Public lectures on kidney disease awareness
- Education webinars for healthcare workers
- TV and radio interviews
- Newspaper articles, banners and T-shirts.
