CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - JUNIOR Health Minister in the Nevis Island Administration Hazel Brandy-Williams has sent out a clarion call for more attention to be placed on renal failure.
This call comes at a time when the issue of kidney health has been thrown into the spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a speech to raise awareness on World Kidney Day - March 11- the Minister explained that special attention must also be placed on the broad categories of non-communicable diseases of which renal failure is categorised.
She highlighted that there needs to be a shared responsibility where patients must understand their roles in the decision-making process and, at the same time, manage the disease.
The Minister noted that family members, the health sector and the whole of society also play an important role in the care by providing a supportive environment.
“We at the Ministry of Health and Gender Affairs applaud the efforts of the Nevis Renal Society in their quest to make renal health a priority. During this COVID-19 pandemic, special attention needs to be given to individuals diagnosed with a non-communicable disease such as renal failure, as they have a substantially higher risk of becoming severely ill or dying from the virus,” Minister Brandy Williams added.
World Kidney Day is recognised annually on the second Thursday of March, and it is geared towards raising awareness globally of the importance of kidney health and increasing screening for chronic kidney disease.
This year, the day is being held under the theme “Kidney health for everyone everywhere: Living Well with Kidney Disease.”, which, according to the Minister, speaks to increased education and awareness on the management of kidney disease and patient empowerment towards achieving positive health outcomes.
Minister Brandy-Williams added: “We at the Ministry continue to pledge our support in providing education, access, treatment, care and support for patients and their families. Our overall wellness programme for patients with kidney disease focuses on good nutrition, drinking lots of water, physical activity, avoidance of tobacco and alcohol, mental health and adherence to medication.”
Today’s speech kick starts a week of activities geared towards raising awareness in both St. Kitts and Nevis.
