Every year millions die prematurely of kidney failure or heart attacks and strokes linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD). A global health awareness campaign focusing on the importance of our kidneys and in reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide will be spearheaded locally by the Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN).

March 12, 2009 is World Kidney Day (WKD), to be celebrated locally with a motorcade starting from the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in East Avenue and culminating at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in North Avenue where a program will be held to disseminate information on how one can prevent having a kidney disease. On the same day, satellite lectures will be conducted by nephrologists in other cities nationwide in order to raise awareness about the importance of our kidneys – an amazing organ that plays a crucial role in keeping us alive and well.

WKD encourages everyone to learn more about their amazing kidneys and to raise awareness of the fact that kidney disease is common, harmful and treatable. Since 2006, the campaign is celebrated every year on the second Thursday of March in more than 100 countries on 6 continents. The 2009 campaign highlights the importance of high blood pressure as one of the key symptoms and causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) with the theme: “Keep the pressure down.”

For information about the different activities in your area or if you wish to participate in the celebration, please send an email to renal_md@yahoo.com. #