World Kidney Day

World Kidney Day is held every year in March 14th to raise awareness of the importance of the kidneys to overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide.

In 2013 World Kidney Day is focusing on acute kidney injury with the theme: "Acute kidney injury: stop kidney attack!’

Diabetes, hypertension and heart disease are the most common causes of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) in developed and developing countries. The prevalence of kidney disease is increasing dramatically and the cost of treating this growing epidemic represents an enormous burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Between 8 and 10% of the adult population have some form of kidney damage, and every year millions die prematurely of complications related to CKD.

As there is no treatment for CKD apart from dialysis and transplantation, prevention and early detection to delay severe kidney failure are key to maintaining kidney function.