Take charge of your kidney health
Pictured at UHW, encouraging people to take charge of their kidney health, were Marguerite Magee, Ed Dunphy, Renal CNS, Aidan Morris (winner of a One for All voucher), Frances Moynihan, and Cristina Ardenaso, Renal Nurse.
The Irish Kidney Association (IKA) and its Waterford Branch encouraged people to take charge of their kidney health, during a recent awareness-building campaign, which coincided with World Kidney Day on March 12.
The association is encouraging people to learn about the risk factors for kidney disease and seek early testing.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects approximately one in 10 adults in Ireland, increasing to one in seven among people over 50.
Globally, kidney disease is projected to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2040.
Despite how common it is, an estimated 98% of people in the early stages of CKD are unaware they have the condition.
The risk of developing chronic kidney disease increases for individuals who have diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease, are over the age of 50, or who regularly use certain over-the-counter medications over long periods. A simple blood and urine test carried out by a GP can help assess kidney health.
By the end of 2025, 2,617 people in Ireland were receiving dialysis treatment, compared with 821 people in 2000, highlighting the growing impact of kidney disease. In 2024, 559 patients were on the kidney transplant waiting list.
To raise awareness locally, the Waterford Branch marked World Kidney Day with information stands at SETU and in collaboration with the Renal Units at University Hospital Waterford (UHW). The branch would like to thank its volunteers and the staff of UHW who helped engage with the public and highlighted the importance of kidney health.
The Irish Kidney Association’s awareness campaign is endorsed by the HSE and the Irish Nephrology Society, with support from the Irish Pharmacy Union and pharmacy chains across Ireland. The HSE also promotes the campaign’s message through its network of voluntary and community organisations, healthcare partners, public sector bodies, and staff across HSE regions.
Further information is available at www.ika.ie/kidneyhealth.
For more information, please contact info@ika.ie
