The Transplant Education for Living Legacies (TELL), Pathcare, and Hospicare Renal collaborated to organise a kidney health awareness event at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden on March 10.
During the event, the public had an opportunity to undergo free screenings for glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol are among the chronic ailments that may lead to End Stage Renal Failure.
Stella de Kock, the Managing Director at TELL, explained, “Recognising potential risks of developing chronic kidney diseases is crucial. By monitoring blood pressure, glucose levels, and cholesterol, individuals can adapt their lifestyles accordingly and consult healthcare professionals regarding potential medication to manage these conditions. Chronic kidney disease can only be diagnosed with a urine sample and blood tests.”
The organisations also hosted Hospicare’s renal patients, along with their families, at the Lapeng Lapa for a picnic.
“Each patient, along with their families, received a generous package including wraps, juice, water, fruit, and kidney-shaped cookies,” Stella said.
Practising nephrologist Dr Moabi delivered an insightful talk, reminding patients of the significance of treatment adherence and emphasising the necessity of attending dialysis sessions without fail. Living and deceased kidney donation options were discussed, highlighting the profound positive impact a kidney transplant can have on the patient and their family’s quality of life.
Seven learners from Holy Rosary School assisted with the event. Additionally, two of the learners alternated in dressing up as TELL’s Mascot Zane the Zunicorn, who not only brings happiness but also imparts the valuable lesson that it is okay to be different.
Stella concluded by saying the event was in commemoration of World Kidney Day which is annually observed on the second Tuesday of March.
“During the day, TELL distributed information, stressing the significance of organ and tissue donation, and emphasising the importance of having open conversations with family members. South Africa faces a critical shortage of organ donors, particularly concerning kidney failure, with one of the world’s highest rates of kidney failure and disproportionately low rates of organ donation.”
