World Kidney Day is an annual global health campaign raising awareness of kidney health, the importance of early detection of kidney disease and the risks of chronic kidney disease (CKD). 

CKD is a major and growing health challenge. This year, the campaign focuses on early detection and sustainable, eco-friendly practices to protect the planet while improving patient outcomes.

Did you know it affects 10% of adults globally? Some won’t experience any symptoms in the early stages but as it progresses, it can increase the risks of cardiovascular complications, kidney failure and poor health outcomes. Early detection can save lives. 

It’s easily detected with blood and urine tests and the earlier it’s spotted, the better. Those with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity or a family history of kidney disease can be prioritised for screening.

Changes in the climate, such as air pollution and extreme weather events, are now adding to this burden by increasing the risks of CKD and accelerating its progression. Treatments for end stage kidney disease require large volumes of water, energy, and single-use plastics. A single haemodialysis session has the same carbon footprint as driving a car for nearly 240 kilometres. Kidney disease and climate change worsen each other. 

We’ve now reached a turning point. In 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) called kidney health a global health priority and formally recognised World Kidney Day. It urged all stakeholders to commit to prioritising prevention, early detection and timely management of kidney disease. It’s also recommending equitable access to transplantation. This greatly improves survival and quality of life, reduces dependence on dialysis and is more environmentally friendly. In the future, dialysis needs to become more sustainable and introduce changes with lower environmental impact, such as water reuse and material recycling.

How can you get involved? Prevention is crucially important and the 8 Golden Rules for kidney health are important to share in your workplace. This improves public awareness to encourage early detection. You can learn more about this year’s campaign and how to get involved on their website.

The WHO recommendations emphasise that sustainability must never come at the expense of patients. Patients should be represented and initiatives should target issues, such as energy-efficient machines and toxin-free supplies.  

Kidney health has never been more important. Our changing world and our changing global population have increased vulnerability. We need to make sure more people are aware that they have CKD before the disease had progressed. It’s vitally important that we raise awareness, detect signs early and promote health. 

Further information