Dr Hassan Al Malki (centre), Head of Nephrology Department, HMC, with other officials during a press conference yesterday. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Doha: With some 250 new patients with kidney diseases start undergoing dialysis each year at the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and coinciding with the World Kidney Day (WKD), efforts are taken by the officials to raise awareness of importance of kidney health.
At present, a total of 900 patients with kidney diseases are on dialysis and some of them are on waiting list for transplant. Transplantation is considered as best option for the kidney failure as a life saving initiative, say experts.
“About 250 new dialysis cases are reported each year and that’s a huge number,” said Dr Hassan Al Malki, Head of Nephrology at HMC addressing a press conference held yesterday announcing the activities for World Kidney Day (WKD) on March 9, to raise awareness among the public.
“Those who are at high risks of developing kidney disorder are advised to do an annual screening. Diabetes, hypertension, obesity and with a family history of kidney problems are at a risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease,” said Dr Al Malki.
Around 8 to 10 percent of the world’s population is affected by kidney diseases and the prevalence in Qatar is similar.
“We have about 650 patients on hemodialysis and there are 250 patients on peritoneal dialysis. At least 70 percent of Chronic Kidney Disease are due to diabetes and hyper tension,” said Dr Essa Abuhelaiqa, Nephrology Consultant at HMC.
Hemodialysis is a dialysis machine and a special filter called an artificial kidney, or a dialyser, used to clean blood and peritoneal dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure that uses the lining of abdomen, to filter blood inside the body. This year WKD is observed on March 8, under the theme ‘Kidneys & Women’s Health: Include, Value, Empower.’
“Chronic kidney disease is a worldwide public health problem with adverse outcomes of kidney failure and premature death . Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 195 million women worldwide and it is currently the eight leading cause of death in women, with close to 600,000 deaths each year. The risk of developing Chronic kidney disease is at least as high in women as in men, and may even be higher,” said Dr Al malki.
From today to March 8, health awareness booths will be set up at the main entrances of Hamad General, Women’s, Al Wakra and Al Khor Hospitals. The booths will be staffed by clinical teams from HMC and will provide patients, visitors, and other members of the public with information leaflets and health education materials.
Dietitians and nephrology educators will also be available to provide advice and answer questions. Members of the public are also invited to participate in a walkathon on 9 March from 3pm to 6pm at the Doha Corniche.
From March 11 to 13, HMC will also host various awareness activities at select primary health centers and secondary schools, as well as at Qatar University, the University of Calgary in Qatar, and Weill Cornell Medicine.
