CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – AS St. Kitts and Nevis joined the global community in observing World Kidney Day on March 13, the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) emphasized the importance of early detection in preventing kidney disease.
Jahnel Nisbett, Minister of Health in the NIA, underscored the need for regular check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, and simple tests that can make a significant difference in maintaining kidney health.
"Protecting kidney health also means making conscious choices - eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and avoiding habits like smoking or excessive alcohol use that can put our kidneys at risk," Nisbett stated.
She also highlighted the need for greater support for individuals living with kidney disease.
"To those living with kidney disease and their families, know that you are not alone. The Ministry of Health, alongside the Nevis Renal Society, remains steadfast in our commitment to improving access to treatment, dialysis services, and support systems that enhance your quality of life. We will continue to collaborate with local and regional partners to strengthen our healthcare infrastructure and ensure that kidney care remains a priority," the minister added.
Nisbett urged the public to take proactive steps in monitoring their kidney health. “On this World Kidney Day, let us renew our pledge to protect kidney health for ourselves, our loved ones, and our community. Let us ask ourselves, 'Are my kidneys OK?' and take the necessary steps to find out. Together, with the Nevis Renal Society leading the way, we can build a healthier Nevis- one kidney at a time.”
However, the minister did not disclose the number of active renal failure cases on the island.
Meanwhile, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has identified obesity, hypertension, and diabetes as the top three risk factors for kidney disease globally.
Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director of CARPHA, emphasized that kidney disease remains a major public health concern in the Caribbean.
"When reviewing 2019 data for countries in the region of the Americas, with the highest death rate due to kidney disease, 2 CARPHA Member States ranked in the top 10 of this list and 9 Member States ranked in the top 20". Coupled to the high regional prevalence of the three main risk factors for kidney diseases, that is, overweight/obesity (53.2 %), hypertension (23%) and diabetes (11.9%), it signals an urgent need for focused and effective interventions to reduce this burden in the Caribbean,” Indar stated.
