Malaysian National World Kidney Day Celebration 2024

The National World Kidney Day 2024 celebration, marking a significant stride in kidney health awareness, unfolded with great success, manifesting the concerted efforts of key organizations and a series of activities aimed at promoting kidney health.

Organizers and Location

The celebration was organized by the Malaysian Society of Nephrology (MSN) in collaboration with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and supported by the Malaysian Pharmacy Society. It took place at Laman Astaka, Titiwangsa Lake, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 9 March 2024, commencing at 7:30 AM. The Deputy Health Minister, Dato Lukanisman Awang Sauni, officiated this event, highlighting its significance at the national level​.

Activities and Engagement

A diverse array of activities was planned to engage the public and spread awareness about kidney health. These included an Explorace on Kidney Health, a Health Forum, Free Health Screening, and various Health booths, each designed to educate and promote preventative measures against chronic kidney disease (CKD) and encourage medication adherence.

Particularly significant was the participation of the Nephrology Department of Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Hospital Ampang, Hospital Selayang, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Putra Malaysia which contributed volunteers for many activities such as for the health screenings and educational games that drew significant public interest. The explorace event saw enthusiastic participation from hospitals and the public, with the winning team from the Faculty of Medicine, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, awarded a cash prize​ of RM 1000.

An enlightening forum featured prominent figures including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nor Fadhlina Zakaria, the former Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar as NKF Kidney ambassador, alongside influential nephrologist’s Dr Rafidah Abdullah and a pharmacist, Dr Norkasihan Ibrahim, providing comprehensive dialogue on kidney health​ to the participants.

Outcomes and Impact

The celebration succeeded in its aim to enhance awareness and understanding of kidney health, evidenced by the active participation of the public in the various activities and screenings offered. The forum and discussions provided valuable insights into the prevention and management of CKD, highlighting the day’s significance.

The event not only highlighted the importance of organ donation through the Derma Organ booth but also featured 16 health promotion booths, showing the health industry’s effort to improve kidney health awareness.