World Kidney Day was celebrated around the globe on 10 March, focusing on kidney health for all.
In keeping with this year’s theme, Transplant Education for Living Legacies (Tell) is focusing on living kidney donation. For someone at end-stage-renal failure (chronic kidney failure) there are two treatment options available: dialysis or a transplant from a deceased or living donor.
Due to Covid-19 and a general shortage of organ donors, the rate of living donors has increased. Any person who wishes to be a living donor needs to be in perfect health and goes through extensive medical evaluation both physical and mental. This is to ensure both the potential living donor and the recipient get the best chance of a successful outcome.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is estimated 10% of people worldwide suffer from some form of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, it is estimated that 5 million South Africans over the age of 20 may be affected by CKD.
In December 2017, the total number of patients on kidney replacement therapy (KRT) with dialysis or kidney transplant in the country was 10 744.
Considering World Kidney Day, which is commemorated on Thursday 10 March, this year’s theme, “Kidney Health for All,” focuses on bridging the knowledge gaps to improve kidney health through increased kidney care education and awareness in the public sector.
According to Dr Nontembiso Mhlana, a nephrologist in training at Tygerberg Hospital, getting a kidney donation can take years.
“The average waiting period for a deceased donor kidney is about five years in South Africa,” she says. In a statement by the Western Cape Department of Health, Mhlana explains kidney transplantation is the best option for the management of kidney disease, and it helps one live longer with a better quality of life.
Following a transplant patients must take life-long immunosuppressive medication to help their bodies to not reject the new organ.
Reduce your chances of getting kidney disease:. Keep fit, be active.. Eat a healthy diet.. Check and control your blood sugar. . Check and control your blood pressure.. Get your kidney function checked if you have one or more of the “high-risk” factors: diabetes, hypertension, obesity and a family history of kidney disease.
