On 14th March 2025 under the warm morning sun, a diverse crowd gathered at the hospital to mark World Kidney Day 2025. From doctors and nurses to students and community members, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and purpose. This year’s theme, “Are Your Kidneys, OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health,” set the tone for a day dedicated to education, health screenings and collective action against kidney disease. The event kicked off with an energizing walk to Kahawa West, symbolizing the role of physical activity in maintaining kidney health.
The hospital’s Ag. Director Clinical Services Dr. Anthony Kamau flagged off the walk that saw participants strolling the streets as they educated the public on Kidney health. In her speech the Ag.CEO Dr. Zeinab Gura highlighted the importance of collaboration between doctors, policy makers and the community to ensure kidney disease is detected early and managed effectively and assured the management commitment to supporting the renal unit in delivering its mandate in providing quality-patient centered care. She also took a moment to thank the sponsors for their unwavering support.
Dr. Edward Njogu a Consultant Physician and nephrologist, who is also the hospital’s head of department Renal and Dialysis Unit shared his insights on the impact of kidney disease and how this hospital is working in providing advanced treatment options. His words struck a chord, reminding many of the silent nature of kidney disease and the importance of routine check-ups.
In his speech the Chief Guest Dr.Patrick Amoth-Director General for Health read on his behalf by Dr.Rebecca Kiptui empha-sized the need for early screenings which will lead to early detection and thus early treat-ment,he also stressed on the need for the public to register with the Social Health In-surance Fund (SHIF) to ease the financial bur-den, assuring that SHA caters for kidney dis-ease treatment fully in most of the hospitals.But it wasn’t all science and statistics, renal nurses brought kidney health to life through a lively skit that had the audience both laugh-ing and reflecting.
Through humour and re-latable storytelling, they showcased the daily struggles of patients with kidney disease and the simple lifestyle changes that could make a difference. It was a powerful moment, proving that sometimes, learning happens best when it’s wrapped in entertainment.
Then came a moment of celebration: the cake-cutting ceremony.Dr. Pamleila Mugendi stepped in, and with a warm smile, she led the gathering in cutting a beautifully decorat-ed cake. Laughter and applause filled the room as people took a break to enjoy the sweet treat, a small but meaningful reminder that healthcare is not just about medicine; it’s about communi- ty, connection, and shared experiences.
After the formalities, the day transitioned into what many had been eagerly waiting for, the free medical camp at the hospital grounds turned into a hub of health ser-vices. Stations were set up for urinalysis which is a set of tests that looks at the ap-pearance of urine for any signs of infection, blood pressure testing, blood sugar testing,BMI measurements which involves meas- uring of weight since obese people are at a higher risk of contracting diabetes, nutri-tional counselling, and health education.
People lined up, not just for check-ups, but for reassurance. Some came out of cu-riosity, others with genuine health con-cerns. A mother held her child close as a nurse gently checked her blood pressure. An elderly man chatted with a doc-tor about managing his diabetes.
Every-where you looked, conversations were happening about kidney health. As the day ended, the event slowly wrapped up. Attendees left not just with medi-cal reports but with knowledge, aware-ness, and a renewed commitment to their health.
World Kidney Day 2025 at this hospital was more than just an event, it was a movement, a reminder that kid-ney health is everyone’s responsibility.
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