World Kidney Day 2024: Promoting Good Kidney Health for All
Today, March 14th, marks World Kidney Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of prevention and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Kidney Disease Foundation (IFKF-WKA) have chosen the theme for this year as “Good kidney health for all. Promoting equitable access to care and optimal therapeutic practice”.
Chronic kidney disease is a global health issue, with more than 850 million people affected worldwide and over 3.1 million deaths attributed to CKD in 2019. In Italy, 6-7% of the adult population grapples with CKD, with a higher prevalence among the elderly and those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and obesity.
Italian nephrologists are taking proactive steps to address the challenges posed by CKD. Many Nephrology and Dialysis centers in Italy are participating in the “Open Doors in Nephrology” project, offering free screening services such as visits, urinalysis, and blood pressure measurements. Information materials are being distributed, and individuals who test positive are encouraged to undergo further nephrological checks.
Prevention and treatment are key components in the fight against kidney disease. Massimo Morosetti, President of the Italian Kidney Foundation (FIR), emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors, particularly nutrition, in managing kidney diseases. A combination of pharmacological therapies and dietary-nutritional therapy (TDN) can significantly slow down the progression of the disease and delay the need for dialysis.
A healthy lifestyle, including a diet based on the Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity, plays a crucial role in preventing kidney diseases. It is essential to start adopting healthy habits from a young age to reduce the risk of developing conditions like obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which are also risk factors for kidney disease.
On World Kidney Day, let us all commit to promoting good kidney health for all and working towards ensuring equitable access to care and optimal therapeutic practices for those affected by chronic kidney disease. Remember, prevention is key in the fight against kidney disease.
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