Time to be aware of kidney health

World Kidney Day, which falls today, is an important reminder for all Australians to be aware of the importance of taking care of their kidney health.

One in seven Australian adults has some sign of chronic kidney disease and one in 35 actually has serious kidney disease.

Primary causes of kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and a family history of kidney disease.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are disproportionately affected by kidney disease, with an incidence rate of end-stage kidney disease eight times higher than non-Indigenous Australians.

The Australian Government recognises the burden that kidney disease imposes on the Australian community and has identified preventative health as a first-order issue for the nation.

To assist in better understanding and assessing kidney disease, $200,000 has been provided by the Government to Kidney Health Australia for a pilot study to assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of early detection of chronic kidney disease in Australia.

A Preventative Health Care taskforce will be established to support the development of a strategy to provide government and health providers with evidence-based advice on preventative health programs and strategies.

The Government is also acting on its election commitment to provide $5 million to improve access to renal dialysis services for remote communities in the Northern Territory and
$7 million for the construction of a renal dialysis unit at North Lakes in Queensland.

The Government also understands that more work needs to be done with state and territory governments to lift national efforts and increase Australia’s low rate of organ and tissue donations – an important issue for those with end-stage kidney disease.

While Australia has one of the world’s best records in transplantation outcomes, our rate of organ donation remains well below comparable nations.

Every Australian can take steps to minimise the possibility of contracting kidney disease by keeping fit, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking.

(Source: Department of Health and Ageing: March 2008)