Health experts have called on Kenyans to embrace the culture of early screening for chronic kidney disease.
Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure, involves a gradual loss of kidney function.
Speaking during World Kidney Day on Thursday, the experts noted that the condition is a silent killer due to its ability to lead to kidney failure and death because of its non-communicable nature.
Dr John Ngigi warned that kidney infections should be picked early enough through screening to avoid complications or even death earlier in life.
“Kidney infections can result in disability or death if not treated early,” Ngigi, who is a consultant physician and nephrologist at The Nairobi West Hospital said.
“Chronic kidney disease, characterized by its long duration and progressive nature, is dubbed a silent killer due to its ability to lead to kidney failure and death because of its non-communicable nature.”
The World Kidney Day is held every year on the second Thursday of March.
The aim is to enhance global awareness of kidney health, emphasizing the critical role kidneys play in overall health and striving to mitigate the prevalence and impact of kidney disease and its related health issues worldwide.
The theme for this year is, 'Kidney Health for All -Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice'.
The theme underscores the commitment to ensuring comprehensive kidney care is accessible to all.
The day began with a walk from the Kenyatta National Hospital flagged by the head of the Directorate of Non-communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health Dr Gladwell Gathecha.
During the event, experts from KNH and the Nairobi West Hospital offered free kidney check-ups and consultations.
This free medical camp is pivotal in raising awareness about kidney health and the importance of early intervention for those at risk of or facing end-stage kidney diseases.
According to data by the Ministry of Health, approximately 1.8 million people are suffering from chronic kidney disease.
“High prevalence, late diagnosis, limited access to treatment and poor control of NCDs such as hypertension and diabetes are major contributors to chronic kidney disease,” Health CS Susan Nakhumicha said during a past event.
Chronic kidney disease includes conditions that damage your kidneys and decrease their ability to keep you healthy by filtering wastes from your blood.
If kidney disease worsens, wastes can build to high levels in your blood and make you feel sick.