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The first week of September marks National Kidney Awareness Week, a campaign highlighting the vital role kidneys play in keeping us alive and healthy. Kidneys help maintain fluid balance, regulate blood pressure and filter waste products from the blood. Yet, despite their importance, many people underestimate the risks of kidney disease until it is too late.
Often referred to as a “silent killer,” kidney disease develops gradually, showing no clear symptoms until it reaches advanced stages. In South Africa, it is estimated that between 6 and 10 per cent of the population live with some form of kidney disease, many without knowing it.
Experts warn that unhealthy lifestyle choices are fuelling this hidden crisis. Smoking, excessive alcohol use, lack of exercise and poor diets all contribute to kidney damage. The rising prevalence of uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension and obesity in urban areas is of particular concern, as these conditions are leading causes of kidney failure.
The good news is that kidney disease is often preventable. Doctors recommend regular health screenings, especially for people with diabetes or high blood pressure. The World Health Organisation advises adults to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly. Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or aerobics not only boost heart health but also protect kidney function.
A balanced diet low in salt and processed foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying hydrated are further steps individuals can take. Avoiding unnecessary use of painkillers and consulting a doctor before using herbal remedies or supplements can also protect kidney health.
Beyond prevention, awareness of organ and tissue donation remains crucial. Over 6,500 people in South Africa are waiting for organ transplants, with 1,100 in Gauteng alone needing new kidneys. Becoming an organ donor is a life-saving act of compassion that could transform the futures of many families.
National Kidney Awareness Week is therefore more than a health campaign. It is a call to communities to live healthier lives, look out for one another, and consider the gift of organ donation.
