The St Lucia Renal Association, in collaboration with Owen King European Union Hospital (OKEU), will mark World Kidney Day 2026 with a national awareness walk on Sunday, March 8, ahead of the official global observance on March 12.
World Kidney Day will be observed internationally under the theme: “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet.”
The Kidney Awareness Walk will begin at 6:00 a.m. at the Millennium Heights Medical Complex and proceed to Vigie Beach, bringing together patients, healthcare professionals, families, and members of the wider public in a show of solidarity and education.
The initiative is spearheaded by dialysis specialist Dr. Johnoma Giffard, alongside the leadership of the Renal Association, as part of broader efforts to promote prevention, early detection, and lifestyle changes that protect kidney health.
The St Lucia Renal Association has been serving Saint Lucians for more than 30 years, providing advocacy, education, and critical support for individuals living with kidney disease.
Currently, there are four dialysis units operating across the island, collectively servicing nearly 180 patients who rely on life-sustaining treatment multiple times per week.
President of the Renal Association, Ms. Nadia Weekes, has stressed that kidney disease is largely preventable through proper diet, exercise, and routine health monitoring.
However, in Saint Lucia, the leading causes of kidney failure remain diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) two chronic conditions that continue to affect a significant portion of the population.
Health officials are urging Saint Lucians to:
Regularly monitor blood pressure and blood sugar levels
Maintain a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods
Engage in consistent physical activity
Seek early medical screening and intervention
Organizers are encouraging broad public participation in the March 8 walk, noting that community engagement is vital in reducing the long-term health and economic impact of kidney disease.
As Saint Lucia joins the global community in observing World Kidney Day on March 12, the message remains clear: protecting kidney health begins with prevention, awareness, and collective responsibility.
