SIR LESTER BIRD MOUNT ST. JOHN'S MEDICAL CENTRE

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, March 10, 2022— On World Kidney Day, Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) joins the global community in highlighting the importance of this year’s theme: “Kidney Health for All: Bridge the knowledge gap to better kidney care”. It calls for everyone worldwide to not only be aware of the disease, but to actively know what their own kidney health measures are. It is a cause that involves all of us — physicians, nurses and other health-care providers, patients, administrators, health-policy experts, government officials, and support organizations such as the Renal Society, Diabetes Association, and the Rotary Club of Antigua. All need to be aware of the ways in which more attention to kidney health can lead to major benefits for the people we serve.

Kidneys play a vital role by filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood and maintaining a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals. However, too often, we only think about them when something goes wrong. One (1) out of ten (10) adult people worldwide has chronic kidney disease (CKD), and if left untreated it can be deadly. While early detection allows for disease care and management to help prevent morbidity and mortality, and improve cost effectiveness and sustainability, kidney disease related mortality continues to increase yearly and is projected to be the fifth (5th) leading cause of death by 2040. A persistent and ongoing CKD knowledge gap exists and SLBMC is committed to bridging this gap through education and other supports.

Let us raise awareness by encouraging others to learn more about chronic kidney disease, support persons living with kidney disease and promote Kidney Health for All.