Every year, people around the world mark World Kidney Day, a global health awareness campaign dedicated to raising understanding of kidney health and the growing impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In 2026, World Kidney Day will be observed on 12 March, with activities taking place across the globe and continuing throughout the year.
World Kidney Day is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations – World Kidney Alliance (IFKF-WKA). Since its launch in 2006, it has become one of the largest coordinated kidney health campaigns worldwide, mobilising patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, advocates and policymakers to put kidney health on the global agenda. More information about the campaign and its history can be found on the official World Kidney Day website.
The 2026 campaign theme — “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet” — highlights the vital role of kidney health not only for individuals, but also for sustainable and resilient health systems. It recognises that protecting kidney health goes hand in hand with protecting our environment, and that prevention and early care can benefit both people and the planet, and places kidney health within the wider context of environmental sustainability. Kidney disease care, particularly in its late stages, can be resource-intensive. Preventing disease progression and supporting early, community-based care not only improves patient outcomes but can also reduce environmental impact.
In Europe, World Kidney Day 2026 provides a timely opportunity to reinforce the importance of prevention, early detection, equitable access to care and strong health policies. The European Kidney Health Alliance (EKHA) plays a central role in translating this global momentum into meaningful European action.
Why Kidney Health Matters
Kidneys are essential organs that perform multiple life-sustaining functions. They filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, help regulate blood pressure, support the production of red blood cells, and maintain healthy bones and chemical balance in the body. More information on kidney function and health can be found in the World Kidney Day kidney health resources.
Despite their importance, kidney diseases often progress silently. Chronic kidney disease can develop without noticeable symptoms for years, meaning many people are unaware they are affected until the disease has advanced. CKD increases the risk of cardiovascular complications, reduces quality of life, and in severe cases can lead to kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplantation.
Globally, around one in ten people is affected by CKD, making it a major public health challenge. Yet many cases could be prevented or slowed through early detection and timely treatment. Simple blood and urine tests can identify kidney problems early, allowing interventions that preserve kidney function and reduce long-term complications.
From Awareness to Action: The Role of World Kidney Day
World Kidney Day aims to move kidney health from the margins to the mainstream. Its objectives include raising public awareness, promoting prevention, encouraging early detection, and advocating for better access to care for people living with kidney disease.
Each year, World Kidney Day encourages a wide range of activities, including public screenings, educational events, community outreach, policy dialogues and digital campaigns. These initiatives help people understand their kidney health, recognise risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and take proactive steps to protect their kidneys. The campaign also invites people to get involved online, sharing messages, images and stories to amplify awareness.
Crucially, World Kidney Day is not just a single day of action. It is a year-long campaign, reflecting the reality that kidney health requires sustained attention, long-term investment and coordinated action across health systems and communities.
Kidney Health in Europe: A Shared Challenge
Across Europe, chronic kidney disease affects millions of people and places increasing pressure on health systems. CKD is closely linked with other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and its burden continues to grow as populations age.
Many people with CKD remain undiagnosed until late stages, missing opportunities for early intervention that could prevent progression and complications. At the same time, access to screening, specialist care and effective treatments varies significantly between and within European countries.
Health inequalities play a major role. Socioeconomic disadvantage, geographical barriers and differences in health system organisation all influence who receives timely diagnosis and high-quality care. Addressing these disparities is essential if Europe is to reduce the burden of kidney disease and improve outcomes for all patients. World Kidney Day 2026 provides a platform to highlight these challenges and to call for stronger, more coordinated European action on kidney health.
The European Kidney Health Alliance: Driving Policy Change
The European Kidney Health Alliance is a key voice for kidney health at the European level. EKHA brings together patient organisations, professional societies and other stakeholders to ensure that kidney disease is recognised as a priority within EU health policy.
EKHA works to:
- Increase awareness of kidney disease among EU institutions and decision-makers
- Promote prevention and early detection strategies across Europe
- Advocate for equitable access to effective and sustainable treatments
- Address inequalities affecting people living with kidney disease
By engaging with the European Commission, the European Parliament and other stakeholders, EKHA helps ensure that kidney health is integrated into broader European strategies on non-communicable diseases, health system sustainability and public health resilience.
World Kidney Day aligns closely with EKHA’s mission, providing a powerful advocacy moment to reinforce policy messages and mobilise action across Europe.
How to Get Involved
Everyone can play a role in World Kidney Day:
- Raise awareness by sharing information about kidney health and World Kidney Day within your networks
- Participate in or organise events, such as educational sessions, screenings or community activities
- Encourage early detection, especially for people at higher risk
- Advocate for better policies that prioritise kidney health and reduce inequalities
- Use official campaign materials, including the World Kidney Day 2026 Activities Guide
Looking Ahead
World Kidney Day is a reminder that kidney health is fundamental to overall health, social equity and sustainable healthcare systems. In Europe, it offers a vital opportunity to strengthen prevention, improve early detection, and advance policies that protect kidney health for all.
With organisations such as EKHA championing kidney health at the European level, and with growing global awareness driven by World Kidney Day, the momentum for change is clear. By acting together, we can reduce the burden of chronic kidney disease, address inequalities and ensure that kidney health truly becomes a priority — for people and for the planet.