Call to Raise Awareness About Kidney Ailments
By Finaz Daniel

Bandar Seri Begawan - One out of 10 people in the world are suffering from some form of kidney damage and yet the level of awareness of the important role of kidneys in health and disease is low with less than five per cent of the population equipped with the knowledge of the location and functions of a kidney, said the Minister of Health.

Statistics state that more than 500 million people in the world are suffering from a form of chronic kidney disease (CKD) which indicates an increase in the number of people afflicted with kidney failure, both globally and regionally.

Speaking at this year's World Kidney Day celebration at the Rizqun International Hotel yesterday Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman stated that a majority of individuals with early stages of CKD go undiagnosed. The early detection of kidney impairment is therefore essential and allows suitable treatment before kidney damage or deterioration manifests itself through other complications.

CKD is a disease multiplier that causes death in many individuals with diabetes and hypertension and predicts the development of a cardiovascular event. Since CKD increases the risk of renal failure, cardiovascular disease and stroke, studies indicate that up to 36 million people will die prematurely by the year 2015.

Furthermore, chronic kidney failure may not develop detectable symptoms until about 80 per cent of the kidney function is lost and dialysis treatment is only required in the event of 90 per cent of kidney function loss.

The World Kidney Day 2008 themed: 'Amazing Kidneys!' was organised by the Renal Services Department of the Ministry of Health which focus on educating the public on simple facts about the vital functions of kidneys. Such facts include the main function of the kidneys, which is to remove toxins and excess water from our blood.

It performs the impressive daily feat of filtering and cleaning 200 litres of blood which would fill 200 bottles or 20 buckets. Aside from this incredible feat, kidneys also help to control blood pressure, produce red blood cells and keep bones healthy.

Increased awareness of kidney disease has the immediate potential to dramatically reduce the growing burden of deaths and disability from chronic cardiovascular disease worldwide.

Doctors, patients, health officials and industry therefore must be steadfast and united in working for early detection and treatment of CKD as a step towards curtailing, slowing or even halting the disease in its tracks. Fortunately, detection of the disease is easy with simple routine tests of urine, blood and blood pressure that can show early signs of kidney problems.

With this in mind, the minister urged the public to nip the disease in the bud either through integrated health screening, district health programme or the department of renal services.

He also reminded the assembly that the health of their kidneys may progressively worsen to the point where the kidneys must be replaced either through transplant or dialysis to clean their blood for about three times a week.

To this end, the minister urged patients to take steps in the responsibility of their own health by abiding in the instruction of their fluid intake, medicines and proper diet.

To date, 504 patients in the country are going through renal replacement therapy, 408 people are undergoing dialysis treatments while another 65 are having peritoneal dialysis. As much as 31 patients are currently receiving treatments after undergoing kidney transplant.

During the event the minister also launched the book 'Clinical Practice Guidelines - Chronic Kidney Disease' which is intended for medical officers throughout the country.

Also present were Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Di-Raja Dato Paduka Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah, deputy minister of health; acting permanent secretary and deputy permanent secretary as well as senior officers of the ministry.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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