World Kidney Day - Why the world needs it

March 8, 2006

MONTREAL /CNW Telbec/ - The scope and severity of kidney disease have long been ignored. In many parts of the world, people are not diagnosed until long after the illness has developed, and then they often don't have access to life-saving dialysis or transplantation. For this reason, the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF) are drawing the world's attention to this important health issue by declaring March 9, 2006 the first-ever World Kidney Day.

World Kidney Day 2006 aims to increase awareness of chronic kidney disease and the urgent need for early detection and prevention. In the global context, chronic kidney disease and other associated chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes, will claim the lives of 36 million people by the year 2015.

Here in Canada, recent estimates suggest that almost 2 million Canadians have chronic kidney disease or are at risk of developing it. And while there is access to treatments such as dialysis and transplantation, there is also a growing need to implement strategies that will delay progression and, where possible, prevent kidney disease.

A member of the IFKF, The Kidney Foundation of Canada is the national volunteer organization committed to reducing the burden of kidney disease. As a result of the recent renewal of its mission, the Foundation expanded its primary constituency - people with end-stage renal disease - to include individuals at risk.

"Compelling evidence points to the fact that significantly reducing the burden of kidney disease can only be achieved by addressing all of its stages - from early prevention to the care and treatment of those living with kidney failure," affirms Patrice Waché, national President of The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Since health outcomes are improved when kidney disease is identified at its earliest and most treatable stage, public education campaigns and screening populations who are known to be at risk - including, among others, people with diabetes or hypertension - are seen as key strategies.

"Simple and inexpensive tests can be done that detect individuals who have chronic kidney disease. Preventive measures can then be implemented that reduce the risk of progression as well as the associated complications," says Dr. Kevin Burns, President of the Canadian Society of Nephrology.

"We are fully aligned with our colleagues worldwide and ask that all Canadians take a moment on World Kidney Day to consider the valuable role that kidneys play in their health and to speak to their doctors about the tests available if they consider themselves to be at risk," adds Mr. Waché.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada funds research, provides education and support, promotes access to high quality healthcare and works to increase public awareness and commitment to kidney health and organ donation.

The Canadian Society of Nephrology is a society of physicians and scientists specializing in the care of people with kidney disease, and in research related to the kidney and kidney disease.

For further information: Marlene Shoucair, Director, National Communications, The Kidney Foundation Canada, 1 800-361-7494, ext. 222

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This article posted March 25, 2006.