Grand Cayman, Monday, 10 March 2025– World Kidney Day is a global campaign, celebrated the second Thursday each March, aimed at raising awareness of the importance of the kidneys to a person’s health and wellbeing.  This year’s theme revolves around a simple, but meaningful, question: are your kidneys okay?

“The importance of the kidneys is often understated,” explains Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Nick Gent.  “We are all well versed in the importance of our heart and lungs, but most people don’t often give their kidneys a second thought unless something is amiss.”

The kidneys, the bean-shaped reddish-brown organs located on either side of the spine under the lower ribs, are first and foremost the body’s filter system.  The kidneys remove waste from the blood and return the cleaned blood back to the body at a rate of about one litre of blood per minute.

“The kidneys are truly amazing organs,” Chief Nursing Officer, Mrs. Felicia McLean, adds. “Along with all the work they do in filtering our blood, they also help in regulating blood pressure, maintaining our body fluid levels so that the body can function, and controlling our body chemistry by regulating the amount of salt, water and other chemicals moving around our bodies.”

Given the kidneys’ important role when it comes to health and wellbeing, ensuring that one’s kidneys are healthy and functioning is essential, thus the reason for this year’s World Kidney Day campaign focus.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should.  Globally, CKD is estimated to affect about 850 million people worldwide.  If undetected or left untreated, CKD can progress to kidney failure, which can cause serious complications and premature mortality.

“Our efforts to highlight kidney health are directly related to our work pertaining to non-communicable diseases within our islands,” states Hon. Julianna O’Connor-Connolly, Premier and Minister for Health.  “The STEPS 2023 National Health Survey worked to determine the risk factor for NCDs in Cayman, and NCDs play a significant role when it comes to kidney health.”

Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and obesity are among the major risk factors for kidney disease, along with a family history of kidney disease.  It is important that populations at high risk for this disease undergo targeted testing.

The Health Services Authority (HSA) report that there are currently sixty-one (61) patients accessing dialysis services at their facility. In an effort to raise awareness of kidney health, the Dialysis Unit of the HSA will be hosting health screenings in the West Bay Clinic this Wednesday, March 12, between 9:30am-2pm.

“I know that campaigns like these often raise questions about local capacity for human tissue transplant, especially as it relates to kidney transplants,” Premier O’Connor-Connolly adds. “Since they were appointed in 2018, the Human Tissue Transplant Council has been working towards- and advocating on behalf of- making organ transplants available on island as a way to enhance the quality of life of Caymanians and residents.  They have taken the responsibility of ensuring that any and all transplants that are to take place within our shores are appropriately regulated, supervised, safe, ethical, and that our standard is on par with international best practice.  While we are not there yet, reaching this goal remains a priority for all, and they remain committed to ensuring that we get this right from the onset.”