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Ika Encourages You To Take Charge Of Your Kidneys
World Kidney Day takes place on 12 March, and the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) is highlighting the increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease and encouraging the public to take charge of their kidney health by learning about the risk factors and seeking early testing.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately one in ten adults in Ireland, rising to one in seven among those over 50. On its current trajectory, kidney disease is projected to become the fifth leading cause of death globally by 2040. Despite its prevalence, chronic kidney disease is often described as a ‘silent condition,’ with an estimated 98% of people in the early stages unaware they have it.
Risk of having chronic kidney disease increases if you have diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease, are over 50, or use certain over-the-counter medications long term. A simple blood and urine test undertaken by a general practitioner can help assess kidney health. More information is available at www.ika.ie/kidneyhealth.
At the end of 2025, 2,617 adults were receiving dialysis treatment in Ireland, more than three times the 821 people receiving dialysis treatment in 2000. In 2024, the number of patients on the kidney transplant waiting list was 559.
Carol Moore, the CEO of the Irish Kidney Association said,
“Behind every statistic is a person and a family whose lives are permanently changed by kidney failure. There is a profound human cost to patients and their families – including the physical and mental health toll of treatment, emotional strain, and significant disruption to daily life. Dialysis treatment is already costing the HSE more than €300 million per year, showing the urgent importance of prevention and early intervention.
“Dialysis treatment is life-sustaining but demanding, and transplantation, while transformative, requires ongoing life-long specialist care. The burden on patients, families and the health service is significant. Early detection and prevention are the most effective way to reduce avoidable suffering and long-term healthcare costs. New treatments can often help ensure dialysis is not needed. Our awareness campaign highlights the importance of early detection and treatment. We ask people at risk this World Kidney Day to take charge of their kidney health and get tested.”
Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE added,
“I welcome the work of the Irish Kidney Association in raising awareness about kidney health while marking World Kidney Day. Chronic kidney disease is closely linked with other major health disease, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, and requires a coordinated, system-wide response in the health system including primary care.”
The Irish Kidney Association’s awareness campaign has the endorsement of the HSE’s and the Irish Nephrology Society, along with the support of the Irish Pharmacy Union and various pharmacy chains at the heart of communities across Ireland. The HSE is also amplifying the campaign’s messaging among its partners’ network of voluntary and community organisations, healthcare partners, public sector bodies and staff in HSE regions. The Irish Kidney Association will also host an online education session for kidney patients on Thursday the 12th of March at 7pm.
For more information on the Irish Kidney Association, online session and kidney health visit www.ika.ie/kidneyhealth.
