: Stakeholders recently collaborated with the Rotary Club of Antigua to bring further awareness to chronic kidney disease in recognition of World Kidney Day which took place on Wednesday.
The Club partnered with the Medical Benefits Scheme, the Antigua and Barbuda Diabetes Association, the Antigua and Barbuda Renal Society and the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for a special chronic kidney disease screening which took place at the country’s lone hospital.
The activity was widely appreciated by the number of persons who turned out for screening and a lot of emphasis was placed on the importance of early detection to prevent life threatening issues in the future.
Nephrologist at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, Dr. Ian Thomas, said that it was the first in a series of screenings which will be held to identify high risk factors for chronic kidney disease.
“This type of early detection ensures that we have a better chance of treating the disease and we can also hopefully decrease the risk of heart disease and kidney failure”, said Dr. Thomas.
Prevention Unit Manager at the Medical Benefits Scheme, Josina France, said the statutory body is very happy to partner in this regard.
“We have approximately 40 who take part in this screening initiative and we hope that we can get some positive and preventative results coming out of this”, Francis said,
President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, Joanna Spencer, said that the Club is grateful for the support that the Club has received with the initiative. She added that part of the Club’s mandate is to sensitize the public about diseases and conditions that continue to affect residents in Antigua and Barbuda. She noted that chronic kidney disease, is one lifestyle affiliated condition that can be minimized by making good, healthy decisions and increasing physical activity.
Chronic kidney disease involves a gradual loss of kidney function. The kidneys filter wastes and excess fluids from the blood, which are then removed in the urine. Advanced chronic kidney disease can cause dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and wastes to build up in the body.
In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, may have few signs or symptoms.
Treatment for chronic kidney disease focuses on slowing the progression of kidney damage, usually by controlling the cause. The illness can progress to end-stage kidney failure, which is fatal without artificial filtering (dialysis) or a kidney transplant.
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