As World Kidney Day approaches, National Renal Care (NRC) is raising awareness about the escalating threat of kidney disease in South Africa. Dr Chevon Clark, NRC’s CEO, stresses the urgency, stating, “Some four years ago, chronic kidney disease already impacted more than 1 in 10 South Africans, 12.9% of our population.”

Dr Clark highlights the silent nature of kidney disease, often going undetected until it reaches advanced stages. “Chronic kidney disease marks a perilous stage where kidney function deteriorates to a point where life hangs in the balance, relying on interventions like dialysis or kidney transplants. Tragically, it often lurks undetected until it reaches advanced stages, compounded by a lack of awareness.”

To combat this, NRC emphasizes early intervention through regular screenings, especially for those with underlying health conditions like hypertension and diabetes. “Get to know your risk factors to manage them better, and ensure that you have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and minimise kidney damage,” suggests Dr Clark.

NRC’s Healthy Start programme educates patients with early-stage kidney disease to help slow progression and prevent complete kidney failure. “The primary function of this educational programme, which is unique to NRC, is to educate patients with early-stage kidney disease to help slow the progression to prevent complete kidney failure.”

With a network of 75 dialysis centres across South Africa, NRC is dedicated to improving accessibility and quality of life for kidney patients through early detection, proactive management, and patient empowerment.