Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a gradual and irremediable loss of kidney function (kidney failure), affects up to one in eight South Africans, more than 850 million people worldwide, and resulted in over 3.1 million deaths (2019). Fundamentally, untreated kidney failure can be life threatening.
Presently, kidney disease ranks as the 8th leading cause of death, and if not addressed, is projected to be the 5th leading cause of years of life lost by 2040. In a fervent initiative, the Urology Hospital in Pretoria, is offering free kidney health screenings to the public on the 14th and 15th of March 2024.
“This year’s World Kidney Day theme, Kidney Health for All, inspired us. We believe that the local and national community can greatly benefit from free screening”, says Dr Fikile Tsela, Nephrologist, The Urology Hospital Pretoria.
The International Society of Nephrology (ISN) Global Health Atlas survey for Africa estimated the prevalence of CKD in South Africa to be 10.7%. The distribution of NCDs in South Africa displays socioeconomic disparities, with the most onerous burden falling on poor communities in urban areas.
Dr Tsela shared, “chronic kidney disease (CKD) is also known as a “silent disease”, as most patients are asymptomatic at the onset and early stages of the disease. Targeted screening of people at risk of developing CKD is therefore critical for early detection, prevention or slowing down of progression and timely management of CKD”.
The newly opened Uro Kidney Care Dialysis Unit aims to provide comprehensive kidney care service to patients with acute and chronic kidney disease. With a focus on haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, continuous renal replacement therapy and pre-dialysis management we are committed to offering high-quality, patient-centred care for patients in South Africa and the rest of Africa.
“With early detection and treatment, the right care and management, kidney disease can be slowed down and sometimes prevented”, concluded Dr Tsela.
Free screening dates & time: 14 -15 March 2024 (10h00 – 14h00)
Address: Urology Hospital, Cnr. Grosvenor & Pretorius Street, Hatfield, Pretoria
Screening Criteria:
- Hypertensive
- Diabetic
- Family history of kidney disease
- Overweight
- Smoking
For more information contact The Urology Hospital on 012 423 4000 or email lebom@urology.co.za.
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Author: Farah Manuel from We Rise Communications on behalf of The Urology Hospital Pretoria.
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