With each passing year, I care less about my popularity: Lee Dong Wook

World Kidney Day 2025, observed globally on March 13, highlights the theme "Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health." The campaign underscores the importance of early detection and prevention to combat the rising burden of kidney disease worldwide.

- Dr L.K. Jha

In India, an estimated 17% of the population suffers from kidney disease. Over 100,000 people currently need dialysis, with 300,000 new cases each year, straining the country's infrastructure. Around 200,000 patients await kidney transplants, but only about 12,000 are performed annually. This gap highlights the urgent need for organ donation awareness. Each donated kidney can save a life and free up a dialysis slot. Yet, India's organ donation rate remains low at less than 1 per million population.

Being vigilant about kidney disease symptoms can lead to early intervention — precisely what this year's theme aims to promote.