PROACTIVE INITIATIVES WILL ADDRESS THE ESCALATING BURDEN OF KIDNEY DISEASE IN FIJI
DR YOGESHNI CHANDRA SAID THERE HAD BEEN RECENT BREAKTHROUGHS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE DISEASE, WHICH OFFER UNPRECEDENTED OPPORTUNITIES TO PREVENT OR DELAY DISEASE PROGRESSION AND MITIGATE LETHAL COMPLICATIONS SUCH AS CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND KIDNEY FAILURE.
Anewly formed non-profit organisation is taking the lead role in creating awareness around Chronic Kidney Disease in Fiji.
The Nephrology Society of Fiji (NSOF) will be among many around the world gathering to celebrate World Kidney Day today (March 14).
World Kidney Day is a global campaign celebrated to create awareness around the importance of our kidneys. It is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations.
The theme for this year is “Kidney Health for All: Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice.”
Stats on Chronic Kidney Disease
NSOF president Dr. Yogeshni Chandra stated that the burden of Chronic Kidney Disease is significant, with an estimated 850 million people affected worldwide and over 3.1 million deaths reported in 2019.
“It is estimated that more than one in 10 people in Fiji have Chronic Kidney Disease, making it the fifth leading cause of years of life lost in Fiji,” Dr Chandra said.
She said recent breakthroughs in disease management offered unprecedented opportunities to prevent or delay disease progression and address lethal complications like cardiovascular disease and kidney failure, ultimately prolonging the quality and quantity of life for people.
“Chronic Kidney Disease is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in Fiji,” she said.
The early stages of the disease typically do not show symptoms. People become symptomatic only once about 90 per cent of kidney function is lost. “Late diagnosis often results in patients needing costly life-saving kidney replacement therapy,” she stated. “Targeted early screening of those at high risk offers potential to significantly improve health outcomes related to CKD, in terms of mortality and morbidity.”
Who should get screened?
Anyone with one of the following conditions should undergo a yearly kidney check:
■ Diabetes
■ Hypertension
■ Heart disease or stroke
■ Obesity
■ Family history of kidney disease
■ Medical conditions associated with impaired kidney function (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), HIV)
■ Women with a history of pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia
What to screen for:
■ Blood Pressure
■ Kidney function - blood test for eGFR
■ Proteinuria - urine test for protein leakage
Tips to keep your kidneys healthy:
■ Maintain a healthy fluid intake
■ Eat healthy; cut down on processed foods
■ Maintain a healthy weight
■ Stay fit and active
■ Control your blood sugar
■ Keep your blood pressure in check
■ Be mindful of salt intake- less than five grams per day is recommended
■ Do not smoke
About Nephrology Society of Fiji (NSOF)
NSOF is a professional association dedicated to advancing kidney health in Fiji and the Pacific region.
“We urge all Fijians to consult their doctor to ensure the health of their kidneys,” Dr Chandra said.
“NSOF recognises the need for proactive initiatives to address the rising burden of kidney disease in Fiji.”
Dr Chandra, originally from Labasa, is one of three nephrologists in the country, and is based at Lautoka Hospital.
Membership is open to all health professionals with an interest in nephrology.