Wexford Daughter & Fathers Raise Awareness for World Kidney Day

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects approximately 1 in 10 adults in Ireland, rising to 1 in 7 among those over 50. Despite its prevalence, CKD often goes undetected, with 98% of people unaware they have the condition in its early stages. If current trends continue, kidney disease is projected to become the fifth leading cause of death globally by 2040.

The Irish Kidney Association (IKA) is using World Kidney Day to raise awareness about kidney health, particularly for at-risk groups such as those with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and people over 50.

Colin White, National Advocacy Manager with the IKA, emphasizes the importance of early detection, which can be as simple as a blood and urine test during a routine checkup with your GP.

White highlights that while kidney disease may be "silent" in its early stages, there are now medications available that can manage and slow its progression—something that wasn't possible 10 to 15 years ago. Early detection is vital to prevent complications like cardiovascular disease, which often becomes the most pressing issue for those with CKD.

For those considering kidney donation, personal stories like Trish Boyce  who donated a kidney to her father John, show how transformative transplants can be, offering a second chance at life. She urges others to consider organ donation, emphasizing that the gift of life is the most precious one of all.

With over 550 people currently on the transplant waiting list in Ireland, it's clear that raising awareness and encouraging early testing is crucial. For more information and to learn about kidney health, visit ika.ie/kidneyhealth.

Listen back here to the chat with Colin White, Trish Boyce & her father John