World Kidney Day is an awareness holiday that is designed to bring to light the importance of kidney health. It is held annually on the second Thursday in March and has been observed since 2006. It is a holiday that takes place all over the world to let people know of the risk factors for kidney disease and how it can be prevented. After all, the proper functioning of your kidneys is important to your health and well-being.

History of World Kidney Day

World Kidney Day originated in 2006 as a joint initiative between the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF) and the International Society of Nephrology (ISN). From that point on it spread all over the world. Today, more than 700 World Kidney Day events are held in almost 100 different countries.

Facts About the Human Kidney

• The kidneys filter all the blood in your body every half hour
• Kidneys help activate Vitamin D in the human body
• The kidneys release a hormone that can regulate blood pressure
• Most people have 2 kidneys but it’s possible to live with just 1

Facts About Kidney Disease

• 33% of American Adults are at risk for kidney disease
• The leading causes of kidney disease is high blood pressure and diabetes
• In the U.S., Kidney disease is the 9th leading cause of death
• Kidney disease kills more people than breast cancer
• Black Americans are 3.5 times more likely to have kidney failure
• Hispanic Americans are 1.5 times more like to have kidney failure
• Almost 700,000 Americans have kidney failure
• More than 100,000 American are waiting for kidney transplants
• Fewer than 16,500 people will receive a kidney transplant in each year
• Almost 15 people a day die waiting for a kidney

World Kidney Day Day Customs & Traditions

Every year, a theme is chosen for World Kidney Day. This theme is used by the events held all over the world. Events which may include fairs, festivals, flash mobs, marathons or public walks, promoting it on social media (using theme hashtag and/or #worldkidneyday), kidney education classes and holding book sales.

Some of the themes of past World Kidney Day events include the theme “Are Your Kidneys Okay” in 2006; “Protect your kidneys: Save your heart” in 2011 and “Kidney Disease & Obesity” in 2017.

Finally, one of the best ways to honor World Kidney Day is to fill out the organ donor registration on your driver’s license or State ID. If more people signed up for organ donation, then 15 people a day wouldn’t have to die in the U.S waiting on a kidney.