28/08/2026
DONโT WAIT FOR YOUR KIDNEYS TO SPEAK UP
Your kidneys work silently every day, filtering your blood, removing waste, balancing fluids and helping regulate blood pressure. The problem? Kidney disease can develop without obvious symptoms until significant damage has already occurred.
And the South African numbers are a powerful reminder to pay attention:
๐น The National Kidney Foundation of South Africa estimates that kidney disease may affect as many as 1 in 8 South Africans.
๐น According to the South African Renal Registry, 9,342 people were receiving kidney replacement therapy, dialysis or a kidney transplant in December 2022.
๐น The South African Renal Society estimates that 6โ17% of South Africans may have some degree of chronic kidney disease, with diabetes, high blood pressure and HIV among important risk factors.
๐ The good news is that early detection can make a difference.
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV or a family history of kidney disease, speak to your healthcare professional about regular kidney checks. A simple blood test to assess kidney function, together with a urine test and blood pressure measurement, can help identify kidney problems early.
Your kidneys don't always give you a warning.
Don't wait for symptoms. Know your numbers. Protect your kidneys.