Observed annually on the second Thursday of March, World Kidney Day is an international movement dedicated to promoting kidney health and advocating for preventive measures against kidney disease.

In 2025, World Kidney Day falls on March 13, focusing on the theme “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health.”

This year’s theme highlights the importance of early detection and proactive intervention in preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its complications.

The Growing Burden of Kidney Disease

According to the World Kidney Day organization, CKD affects approximately 850 million people worldwide. If left undiagnosed, the disease can progress to kidney failure, significantly increasing the risk of premature death.

By 2040, CKD is projected to become the fifth leading cause of years of life lost, making early screening and prevention more crucial than ever.

Major risk factors include:

• Diabetes, which can cause long-term damage to kidney function.
• Hypertension, which puts excessive strain on the kidneys over time.
• Cardiovascular disease, as heart and kidney health are closely linked.
• Obesity, which increases the risk of both diabetes and hypertension.
• A family history of kidney disease, which can indicate a genetic predisposition.

Other contributing factors include acute kidney injury, pregnancy-related kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, low birth weight, urinary tract obstructions, and frequent kidney stones.

Who Should Get Tested? Identifying High-Risk Populations

Certain groups have a higher likelihood of developing kidney disease and should undergo routine screening.

• Individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure, as these conditions are the leading causes of CKD.
• People with heart disease or a family history of kidney disease, since genetic factors play a role in kidney health.
• Those who are overweight or obese, as excess weight increases the likelihood of kidney-related complications.
• Pregnant women at risk of pregnancy-related kidney disease, where early detection can prevent complications.
• People with autoimmune diseases such as lupus, which can directly affect kidney function.
• Individuals with recurrent kidney stones or urinary tract obstructions, as chronic blockages can lead to kidney damage.
• Workers exposed to extreme heat, environmental toxins, or unregulated herbal medicines, which can contribute to CKD development.

Simple and Cost-Effective Tests for Early Detection

For those at high risk, early screening is essential. Fortunately, non-invasive and affordable tests can help identify kidney disease before it progresses.

• Blood pressure measurement, which detects hypertension, a major risk factor for CKD.
• Body mass index (BMI) assessment, which helps determine obesity-related kidney risks.
• Urine tests, particularly the urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR), which can detect early signs of kidney damage.
• Blood tests that measure glycosylated hemoglobin or fasting/random glucose levels to screen for diabetes.
• Serum creatinine tests, combined with cystatin C, to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which provides insights into kidney function.

The Importance of Global Early Detection Policies

To reduce healthcare costs and improve quality of life, countries must implement early detection policies for CKD.

Key strategies include:

• Training healthcare providers, equipping doctors, nurses, and frontline health workers to incorporate CKD testing into routine care.
• Integrating CKD testing into community health programs for maternal health, HIV, tuberculosis, and other non-communicable diseases.
• Expanding testing locations by offering screenings in community centers, places of worship, and local markets to reach underserved populations.
• Conducting public awareness campaigns to educate communities about kidney health and encourage preventive screenings.

A Call to Action for Kidney Health

This World Kidney Day, the message is clear: Early detection saves lives. Raising awareness, expanding screening programs, and implementing preventive healthcare policies can significantly reduce the global burden of CKD and promote better health outcomes for millions.

It is essential to take proactive steps today—get tested, spread awareness, and prioritize kidney health.