MTRH Marks World Kidney Day, Calls for Increased Awareness and Support for Patients
“Kidney disease is a major health crisis, and we are seeing an increasing number of cases linked to conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, which are leading causes of renal failure,” Dr. Kirwa
Dr. Peter Koech, a kidney specialist at MTRH, addresses the media as MTRH CEO Dr. Philip Kirwa looks on during the flagging off of the World Kidney Day procession.
By Jessica Nyaboke
Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) today, March 14, 2025, joined the world in commemorating World Kidney Day at the hospital’s Memorial Grounds. This global event, observed annually on the second Thursday of March, aims to raise awareness about the growing burden of kidney disease and the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment.
Rising Burden of Kidney Disease
Speaking at the event, MTRH CEO Dr. Philip Kirwa highlighted the hospital’s ongoing efforts in managing kidney diseases, revealing that over 1,300 dialysis sessions are conducted weekly to cater to the rising number of patients.
“Kidney disease is a major health crisis, and we are seeing an increasing number of cases linked to conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, which are leading causes of renal failure,” Dr. Kirwa stated.
He emphasized the need for early screening and preventive strategies, urging Kenyans to adopt healthy lifestyles, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, clean water consumption, and tobacco control.
Long Queues for Kidney Screening
As part of the event, MTRH organized free health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar, urine tests, and nutritional counseling. Large crowds gathered at the Memorial Grounds, with many queuing for kidney function tests.
According to Dr. Peter Koech, a pediatric nephrologist at MTRH, early diagnosis plays a crucial role in managing kidney disease.
“Many people only seek medical help when kidney disease is in its advanced stages. Awareness and early detection can help slow its progression and improve outcomes,” Dr. Koech explained.
Call for Government Support in Post-Transplant Care
Kidney patients at the event called on the government to subsidize the cost of post-transplant medication, which remains a significant burden.
“Anti-rejection drugs are very expensive, costing between Ksh 30,000 to Ksh 50,000 per month. Many patients struggle to afford them, which puts their lives at risk,” a patient shared.
Dr. Kirwa also emphasized the need for kidney disease screening to be integrated into primary healthcare services to ensure that patients receive essential medical care before the disease progresses to critical stages.
A Growing Global Health Crisis
Kidney disease has become a major global health concern, with over 50 million people worldwide affected and 2.4 million deaths annually. It is now ranked as the sixth leading cause of death globally.
The theme of this year’s World Kidney Day, “Kidney Health for Everyone, Everywhere,” underscores the need for universal health coverage to ensure equitable access to prevention and treatment services.
MTRH remains committed to enhancing kidney health services and advocating for policies that improve patient outcomes, reinforcing the hospital’s dedication to combating the rising burden of renal disease in Kenya.
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