As we approach World Kidney Day on Thursday 13 March, the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) are reaching out for support in raising awareness about chronic kidney disease (CKD).
The IKA and the HSE’s National Renal Office (NRO) are marking World Kidney Day with an awareness campaign, ‘1 in 10’, to highlight the prevalence and risk factors for CKD, the cardio-renal interrelationship, and the importance of screening and early detection in slowing down or halting CKD progression.
CKD affects one-in-10 people in the general population, and one-in-seven individuals over the age of 50, with 98 per cent unaware they have it, according to a TILDA report.
The campaign aims to shine a light on the fact that CKD is a risk factor for hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease and vice versa, and other risk factors including obesity, people over the age of 50, those with a family history of kidney disease, people who have experienced an acute kidney injury, people with certain autoimmune diseases, and those who are using NSAIDs long term. Pharmacists can play an important role in helping to share this message, said the IKA.
The IKA is delighted to have the support of the Irish Pharmacy Union and some pharmacy chains for the campaign, and it is encouraging more pharmacies to get involved.
More information on the campaign with a section for HCPs and downloadable materials, including posters, leaflets and digital assets, are available on the Irish Kidney Association’s website: ika.ie/kidneyhealth.
In addition to its awareness activity around CKD, the IKA is marking World Kidney Day with a national fundraising drive to support the essential services it provides to kidney patients and their families. IKA volunteers will be collecting at many ALDI Stores across the country on Saturday 8 March selling the charity’s emblem, the forget-me-not flower and other merchandise, and distributing free organ donor cards.
The public can also show its support via the registered charity’s dedicated website page, www.ika.ie/worldkidneyday.
“We would be both grateful and delighted to have your support of our efforts to spread this crucial message and inspire positive change,” said the IKA.
