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Learn more during Kidney Health Month in March

When the Kidney Foundation of Canada was launched in 1964, a person with kidney failure had very little hope of survival. At that time, there were few options for Canadians diagnosed with kidney disease. Dialysis was considered “an extraordinary” treatment and only a small number of patients had access. Renal transplantation was still in its infancy and viewed as experimental. 

March is Kidney Health Month. As we work to raise awareness of these vital organs, The Kidney Foundation is reflecting on the significant progress made in the past six decades to improve the quality of life and health outcomes of kidney patients. 

“Today there are vast improvements in early detection, in dialysis and transplantation,” said Elizabeth Myles, National Executive Director of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. “These advances are providing new hope for people diagnosed with kidney disease and those living with kidney failure.”          

The Kidney Foundation, with the support of volunteers and generous donors, has grown and evolved over the past 60 years. The Foundation funds promising research, educational programs, services, and awareness campaigns. These investments and resources are helping change the course of kidney disease and provide a brighter future for patients. 

In 2024, the work of The Kidney Foundation is more important than ever. One in 10 Canadians is living with kidney disease and the number of people diagnosed annually continues to rise, particularly with high incidence rates of diabetes and high blood pressure. While thousands of Canadians have received kidney transplants, many more are on waiting lists hoping to find a match for a life-sustaining transplant. 

“We have come a long way, but there is still much progress to be made,” said Kurtis Krug, volunteer National President of The Kidney Foundation. “As we look to the decades ahead, we envision a future where no Canadian has to live with the burden of kidney disease.”   

This March, The Kidney Foundation is urging Canadians to learn more about their kidneys. Here are some ways to keep them healthy: 

• Keep your blood pressure in check, as high blood pressure can damage kidney filters.
• Eat a well-balanced diet, and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
• If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking increases the risk of kidney disease, cancer, heart attack and stroke. 

To learn more about your kidney health, take our risk awareness quiz. 

Canadians impacted by kidney disease are encouraged to take part in a two-day Virtual Educational Forum, Living Your Best Life with Kidney Disease, March 6-7. For more information go to kidney.ca/events.

Internationally, World Kidney Day is March 14th. The theme of this year’s World Kidney Day is Kidney Health for All: Advancing equitable access to care and optimal medication. It will feature global events, health screenings and educational campaigns. The Kidney Foundation is ramping up advocacy efforts to ensure that every Canadian has access to the care they need to prevent or delay the progression of kidney disease.

Face the facts by exploring our infographics: Why Kidney Disease Should Matter to You and Why Canada Needs More Organ Donors. 


For more information: 
Wendy Kudeba 
National Director, Marketing and Communications 
The Kidney Foundation of Canada 
Wendy.kudeba@kidney.ca 
289-329-0757