Media Release: Saint Lucia observes World Kidney Day with focus on Promoting Kidney Health

by Ministry of Health

This year’s theme, “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet”

World Kidney Day is celebrated every second Thursday in March and the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition is proud to join the global community in commemorating the 20^th anniversary of such an important observance.

A joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF), World Kidney Day is a global call to action to raise awareness of the burden of kidney disease and the importance of our kidneys to overall health.

This year’s theme, “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet,” reminds us that what we do to our environment impacts the lives of all human beings on our planet. We must preserve our natural environments by avoiding practices like air and water pollution to ensure that we can breathe clean air, have access to safe water and healthy food sources.

Why focus on the kidneys?

Here’s why! The kidneys are extremely important organs which are responsible for the very key functions in the body. These include eliminating waste and toxins, controlling the excretion of water and electrolytes, regulating blood pressure, and stimulating blood production.

The International Society of Nephrology estimates that approximately 850 million persons worldwide have some form of kidney disease. Unfortunately, kidney disease often shows no symptoms at first, so most people are not aware that there is a problem.

An estimated 10% of people worldwide have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and some studies show that nine (9) in ten (10) persons with Chronic Kidney Disease are unaware of their condition. Unfortunately, if left untreated, Chronic Kidney Disease is a major risk factor for End Stage Renal Disease which requires dialysis. The burden of End Stage Renal Disease is a major challenge and financial burden for individuals, families and health care systems, especially in countries like ours.

Data from the National Epidemiology Unit for 2023 shows that Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) accounted for 0.4% of the 1529 total recorded deaths, for that year. The Epidemiology Unit also reports that as of January 2026, approximately 235 St. Lucians were living with End Stage Renal Disease and were receiving dialysis from various institutions across the island. Additionally, as of

January 2026, a total of 248 persons registered in the Community Wellness Centres, have been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease.

The good news is that End Stage Renal Disease is potentially preventable—not just through primary prevention of risk factors for kidney disease such as hypertension and diabetes control, but also by timely management of Chronic Kidney Disease itself. There is hope.

So what can we do to prevent kidney disease?

Know the risks

The most common risk factors for kidney disease are diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, obesity and a family history of kidney disease.

2. Take control

Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Stay hydrated. Drink water. Yes, water.

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains but low in processed foods.

If you aren’t already, get physically active. Engage in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes, five days a week. Avoid harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol.

3. Know your numbers

Check your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels regularly. Know your weight. Visit your nearest Community Wellness Centre or health care provider for regular blood and urine tests which can check kidney function. Know what normal results should be.

4. Pay attention to your body

Changes in urine frequency, colour, back pain or swelling should be checked with your healthcare provider.

This year the theme for World Kidney Day “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet” urges every St. Lucian to be in the know when it comes to protecting vital organs such as the kidneys.

It also reminds us of the need to engage in environmentally friendly practices which will protect our planet while preserving the health of generations to come.

Kidney Health for All is possible. Let’s all take those steps today.