World Kidney Day (WKD) is a global campaign observed annually across the globe on the 2nd Thursday of March to highlight the critical role of kidneys in overall health and to advocate for equal access to healthcare and medication worldwide. The day aims to raise awareness about kidney disease, its impact, and the associated health challenges.
- WKD 2025 is observed on 13 March 2025.
- WKD 2024 was observed on 14 March 2024; WKD 2026 will be observed on 12 March 2026.
Theme 2025:
The 2025 WKD campaign theme is, “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health,” emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention in preventing and managing kidney disease.
Background:
i.The concept of WKD was introduced by the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF).
- The inaugural WKD was launched on March 9, 2006 (Thursday), and fully inaugurated on March 8, 2007 (Thursday).
ii.On July 1, 2020, the IFKF was restructured and relaunched as the International Federation of Kidney Foundations-World Kidney Alliance (IFKF-WKA), continuing its mission alongside ISN to promote kidney health globally.
About Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD):
i.Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), also known as chronic kidney failure, is a serious medical condition characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over months or years.
ii.The kidneys, each containing millions of tiny filtering units called nephrons, play a crucial role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood.
iii.When these nephrons become damaged, their ability to filter blood effectively diminishes, leading to various health complications.
iv.The major risk factors for kidney disease are: Diabetes, Hypertension, Cardiovascular disease, Obesity and Family history of kidney disease.
Key Facts:
i.Global Prevalence: CKD affects over 850 million people globally, with 3.1 million deaths recorded in 2019. Approximately 1 in 10 individuals worldwide are affected by CKD and imposes a significant health burden, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC).
ii.Leading Cause of Death: Currently ranked as the 8th leading cause of death, CKD is projected to become the 5th leading cause of years of life lost by 2040 if left unaddressed.
iii.South Asians: Individuals from South Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, face a higher risk of developing CKD, exacerbated by elevated rates of diabetes and hypertension.
v.Prevalence in India: In India, the prevalence of CKD is approximately 800 cases per 1 million people, with an incidence of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) ranging from 150 to 200 cases per 1 million people.
- Diabetic nephropathy stands as the most common cause of CKD in India, underscoring the critical need for effective diabetes management.
About International Society of Nephrology (ISN):
President – Marcello Tonelli (Canada)
Headquarters- Brussels, Belgium
Established– 1960
