SAINT LUCIA RECORDED 150 PATIENTS WITH STAGE FOUR KIDNEY DISEASE, AND 172 STAGE THREE PATIENTS, IN 2015.

Saint Lucia joined global sensitization efforts on kidney disease, yesterday, in observance of World Kidney Day (March 14).

World Kidney Day called on everyone to advocate for concrete measures to battle kidney disease in all countries. These included encouraging and adopting healthy lifestyles, making screening for kidney diseases a primary healthcare intervention and calling for transparent policies governing equitable and sustainable access to advanced healthcare services.

In 2015, there were 95 patients on dialysis between St. Jude and Victoria hospitals with a waiting list of 85. These patients on the waiting list are those who require dialysis treatment, but cannot be treated because the hospitals do not have the resources for dialysis. Saint Lucia also recorded 150 patients with stage four kidney disease in 2015, and 172 documented stage three patients.

The theme for World Kidney Day 2019 is “Kidney Health for Everyone, Everywhere.”