Latest news with #WorldKidneyDay
The Hindu
20-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
A meeting with the Pope and a strike for kidney health
On June 11th, I had the extraordinary privilege and blessing of meeting His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. It was a deeply humbling, surreal, and almost unbelievable experience—one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. This incredible opportunity came through the efforts of Georgi Abraham, our Founder Trustee at TANKER Foundation. Through his connections, I was honored to be one of just 75 individuals who had the chance to speak personally with His Holiness, amidst a crowd of over 40,000 people. We waited in the sweltering sun for three and a half hours, filled with anticipation. Then, suddenly, the Popemobile arrived, and there he was—His Holiness, graciously waving to the vast sea of people. After an hour of solemn prayers and sermons, he descended from the stage to greet a few of us. As he approached, I felt an overwhelming mix of awe, gratitude, and humility. I asked if I could kiss his hand, and he kindly said yes. I then asked if I might drape a shawl over his shoulders, to which he again agreed. I was able to speak to him briefly about the TANKER Foundation and the vital work we do in supporting patients with kidney disease across Tamil Nadu, India, and even globally. I also had the chance to explain why I was in Rome: to attend the International Federation of Kidney Foundations–World Kidney Alliance (IFKF–WKA) conference, hosted by the Italian Kidney Foundation. It was an honor to be there as the Immediate Past President of IFKF–WKA, especially as the first woman and the first non-doctor to have held that role. I presented His Holiness with a cap bearing the logos of both IFKF–WKA and the Italian Kidney Foundation, and our TANKER memento cup and a book by Dr Georgi Abraham: 'My Patients My God'. I shared with him the global impact of IFKF–WKA, our collaboration with the International Society of Nephrology, and the recent recognition of World Kidney Day by the World Health Organization. I humbly asked His Holiness for his blessings—for the TANKER Foundation, for all our patients and staff, and for the continued work of IFKF–WKA in raising kidney health awareness and supporting the formation of kidney foundations around the world. Meeting this wise and compassionate leader was a moment of immense significance. His blessing and encouragement for our cause have deeply inspired me and reaffirmed the importance of our mission. (Latha A. Kumaraswami is managing trustee, TANKER Foundation, and past president, International Federation of Kidney Foundations-World Kidney Alliance, World Kidney Day-Joint Steering Committee Member. harikesanjali@ )
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Not just a man's disease: Why women need to be aware of kidney cancer too!
Kidney cancer is more commonly seen in males than females. If we were to believe data, the incidence of kidney cancer is twice in men as in women, but that doesn't mean females will not have the disease. In fact, in females, it is often diagnosed at later stages because it is commonly mistaken for hematuria (blood in urine) and frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are quite common among women. This confusion often leads to delayed diagnosis of kidney cancer in most women. Men are more prone to kidney cancer due to factors like higher androgen levels, smoking, and poor lifestyle habits. However, stage-for-stage, the prognosis remains similar for both men and women. In women, certain hormones are related to benign kidney tumors like angiomyolipomas, which may be associated with pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptive pills. Though non-cancerous, their presence indicates how hormonal factors can influence renal health, especially in women. Interestingly, women are sometimes found to have more favorable tumor biology, either due to genetics or unknown causes. But when aggressive types develop in females, the outcomes can be equally difficult. Although the majority of the time symptoms occur at a very late stage, it is important to watch out for unusual symptoms like hematuria, flank pain, or an abdominal mass. In many instances, kidney cancer is discovered incidentally, mainly during a routine ultrasound for unrelated abdominal discomfort. Women above the age of 40 should undergo annual abdominal ultrasounds to catch potential issues early. When detected in the early stages, surgery is often curative, without the need for other measures like chemotherapy or radiation, unlike most cancers, where multiple treatment modalities are almost always involved. Even part of the kidney can also be preserved through the partial nephrectomy procedure. Therefore, awareness and timely screening remain important to treat kidney cancers, although it is less commonly observed in women. Authored by: Dr. Rajashekar C Jaka, Consultant - Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Jayanagar and Malleshwaram. 'Awareness is the Key to Healthy Kidneys': Expert's Vital Message on World Kidney Day One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Sharjah 24
19-05-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
FOKP raises awareness of kidney disease
The event aimed to raise awareness of kidney disease, educate on prevention methods, and promote healthy behaviours among members of the community from all walks of life. Free examination The event featured health stations, in collaboration with the Representative Office of the Ministry of Health and Prevention in Sharjah and the Emirates Health Services (EHS), offering free blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI) checkups, along with direct medical consultations. The event also included interactive awareness activities targeting all family members, with more than 300 beneficiaries of various age groups. Improving health-related behaviours This event falls within FOKP vision to improve health-related behaviours among all members of society in the United Arab Emirates and its endeavour to empower individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles by providing them with the necessary knowledge, information, and skills. Her Excellency Mona Al Hawai, Chairperson of FOKP, stated that the association is keen to intensify its awareness and community efforts to reach the largest possible number of community members and provide them with the necessary health information to prevent kidney disease through a group of specialised doctors and therapeutic nutrition experts. Attracting more than 300 beneficiaries to this event underscores the importance of FOKP message and reinforces ongoing commitment to supporting community health and empowering people to adopt healthy lifestyles, in cooperation with our strategic partners. More than 630 beneficiaries During the first quarter of 2025, the Association implemented several impactful initiatives and projects targeting more than 630 beneficiaries. Among its most prominent programmes were the "Etmanan" initiative, which provides moral support to kidney patients, and awareness activities in conjunction with World Kidney Day, in addition to the health exhibition held at Al Qasimia University. The association also provided medical support to 19 kidney patients across the UAE, at a cost exceeding AED 600,000, in cooperation with charitable partners, including Dar Al Ber Society. It also implemented 'Etmanan" initiative targeting kidney patients in the UAE hospitals, visiting 77 patients in dialysis units. FOKP affirms its continued efforts to spread health awareness among members of the community and provide therapeutic and community support to kidney patients, in cooperation with its government and private partners. This contributes to building a more health-conscious and responsible society. About the Friends of Kidney Patients Association The Friends of Kidney Patients Association was established by an Emiri Decree in 2007 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. It is honourary chaired by the wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs. It has been a public benefit association registered with the Ministry of Community Empowerment since 2021, with the aim of supporting kidney patients and raising community awareness of kidney disease and prevention. The association implements awareness and health programmes, provides therapeutic and social support to patients, and organises free campaigns and screenings in cooperation with government and private institutions. The association seeks to empower community members to adopt a healthy lifestyle and contribute to improving the quality of life for kidney patients across the country, in line with the Emirate of Sharjah's vision to promote community health.
Malay Mail
11-05-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Sarawak sees 700 to 800 new kidney failure cases annually, 4,800 now on dialysis, says SGH nephrologist
KUCHING, May 11 — Sarawak records between 700 and 800 new cases of kidney failure annually, with approximately 4,800 patients currently undergoing dialysis. This alarming figure was revealed by Sarawak General Hospital (HUS) consultant nephrologist Dr Clare Tan Hui Hong during the launch of World Kidney Day 2025 at a shopping mall here today. 'Every year, we have about 700 to 800 new patients diagnosed with kidney failure who need to start dialysis. In total, we currently have around 4,800 patients on dialysis in Sarawak,' she told reporters after officiating the launch. Dr Tan said the increasing number of kidney failure cases is concerning, emphasising the urgent need for preventive measures and greater public awareness. 'Dialysis centres are expanding. There are about 25 government-run dialysis facilities across Sarawak, with a new one set to open in Selangau Health Clinic by the end of the year. We also have around 12 charity-run centres, and more are in the pipeline,' she said. Despite the growing number of dialysis centres, Dr Tan stressed that prevention remains far more critical than treatment. 'More than just focusing on dialysis, we must address the root issue — prevention. Raising awareness about kidney health is essential to slowing down the number of people progressing to kidney failure.' She also cited national health survey data showing a worrying trend: the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Malaysia increased from 9.07 per cent in 2011 to 15.5 per cent in 2018 — rising from roughly one in 11 persons to one in six or seven. Although no new nationwide surveys have been conducted since 2018, Dr Tan expressed hope that initiatives like World Kidney Day campaigns could reverse the upward trend. This year's World Kidney Day carries the theme 'Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health', emphasising the importance of early detection and lifestyle interventions in reducing CKD cases. 'Let us work together to fight the epidemic of chronic kidney disease and to stop this epidemic,' Dr Tan urged. Also present at the event were Kelab Rotary Kuching president Charlie Ong, COR Holder of NKF Kota Samarahan Dr Nurizaidah Ishak, and NKF Kota Samarahan regional unit coordinator Nur Ezzatul Sahadah Jelani. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
11-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sarawak sees 700-800 new kidney failure cases annually, 4,800 now on dialysis, says SGH nephrologist
Dr Tan fields questions from reporters at the event. – Photo by Jude Toyat KUCHING (May 11): Sarawak records between 700 and 800 new cases of kidney failure annually, with approximately 4,800 patients currently undergoing dialysis. This alarming figure was revealed by Sarawak General Hospital (HUS) consultant nephrologist Dr Clare Tan Hui Hong during the launch of World Kidney Day 2025 at a shopping mall here today. 'Every year, we have about 700 to 800 new patients diagnosed with kidney failure who need to start dialysis. In total, we currently have around 4,800 patients on dialysis in Sarawak,' she told reporters after officiating the launch. Dr Tan said the increasing number of kidney failure cases is concerning, emphasising the urgent need for preventive measures and greater public awareness. 'Dialysis centres are expanding. There are about 25 government-run dialysis facilities across Sarawak, with a new one set to open in Selangau Health Clinic by the end of the year. We also have around 12 charity-run centres, and more are in the pipeline,' she said. Despite the growing number of dialysis centres, Dr Tan stressed that prevention remains far more critical than treatment. 'More than just focusing on dialysis, we must address the root issue — prevention. Raising awareness about kidney health is essential to slowing down the number of people progressing to kidney failure.' She also cited national health survey data showing a worrying trend: the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Malaysia increased from 9.07 per cent in 2011 to 15.5 per cent in 2018 — rising from roughly one in 11 persons to one in six or seven. Although no new nationwide surveys have been conducted since 2018, Dr Tan expressed hope that initiatives like World Kidney Day campaigns could reverse the upward trend. This year's World Kidney Day carries the theme 'Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health', emphasising the importance of early detection and lifestyle interventions in reducing CKD cases. 'Let us work together to fight the epidemic of chronic kidney disease and to stop this epidemic,' Dr Tan urged. Also present at the event were Kelab Rotary Kuching president Charlie Ong, COR Holder of NKF Kota Samarahan Dr Nurizaidah Ishak, and NKF Kota Samarahan regional unit coordinator Nur Ezzatul Sahadah Jelani. dialysis Dr Clare Tan kidney failure lead
