World Kidney Day 2025: Preventing CKD Through Awareness

World Kidney Day is observed annually on the second Thursday of March to raise awareness about kidney health and the prevention of kidney diseases. This global initiative emphasizes the critical role of kidney health in overall well-being.

This year's campaign theme, “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health,” stresses the transformative impact that early detection and intervention can have in preventing and managing kidney disease, reports the Mexican Institute of Public Health (INSP). As the global prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) rises, timely diagnosis and proactive care become essential in minimizing its long-term effects.

“By 2040, CKD is projected to become the fifth leading cause of years of life lost, highlighting the urgent need for global strategies to combat kidney disease,” reads the World Kidney Day website. 

CKD is a condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the bloodstream. As the disease progresses, waste, fluids, and electrolytes can build up in the body, leading to serious health complications if left untreated. CKD is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it can progress without symptoms for years, only becoming noticeable in its later stages, according to Healthy.io. 

In Latin America, kidney-related diseases account for over 250,000 deaths annually, with countries like Mexico, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala among the most affected, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The region’s rising health burden highlights the urgent need for comprehensive renal care and public awareness.

In Mexico, the prevalence of kidney disease has seen a notable increase. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) 2022 reveals a rise from 15% in 2006 to 22.8% in 2022, making kidney disease the fastest-growing non-communicable disease in the country. This rise is attributed to several factors, including increasing rates of obesity, an aging population, poor dietary habits, and physical inactivity.

While anyone can develop kidney problems, certain conditions increase the risk of CKD. Those with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, a family history of kidney disease, or those of African-American, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American descent are more susceptible. Additionally, individuals over the age of 60 are at higher risk, reports the INSP. 

According to the National Kidney Foundation, about 10% to 40% of those with Type 2 diabetes will eventually suffer from kidney failure. Diabetes profoundly impacts kidney health by damaging small blood vessels, impairing their ability to effectively filter blood.

To reduce the likelihood of developing kidney disease, the INSP recommends several preventive measures. Managing diabetes and high blood pressure is crucial, as these two conditions are the leading causes of CKD. For those at risk, collaborating with healthcare providers to maintain controlled blood sugar and blood pressure levels is essential.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can also play a significant role in preventing or managing kidney disease. Key recommendations include maintaining a low-salt and low-fat diet, engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week, avoiding tobacco use, and limiting alcohol consumption. Regular health check-ups with a doctor can help detect early signs of kidney disease, ensuring prompt intervention if necessary.