About 250 new dialysis cases are reported each year in Qatar, a Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) official said.

"People at the risk of developing a kidney disorder need to undergo an annual screening. The risk of developing chronic kidney diseases is at least as high in women as in men and may even be higher,” explained Dr Hassan al-Malki, head of the nephrology department at HMC.

He pointed out that eight to 10% of people are suffering from a number of kidney diseases in the country. “Diabetes and high blood pressure are the big risk factors for kidney disorders.”

"Screening patients with diabetes and high blood pressure, introducing preventive measures and educate people about the key role kidneys play are the major ways to prevent kidney diseases,” said Dr al-Malki.

He was speaking addressing a press conference to announce the details of the programmes arranged by HMC to celebrate World Kidney Day, marked on the second Thursday of March every year. Nephrology consultants Dr Essa Abuhelaiqa and Dr Mohamed Mahmood T A al-Kadi, as well as Nasser Bin Khaled al-Thani Charitable Foundation deputy chairman Sheikha Lina bint Nasser were present.

“We have 650 patients on haemodialysis and 250 on peritoneal dialysis. At present we are doing a study among the Qatari population to know about the prevalence of kidney disorders. As much as 70% of chronic kidney diseases are due to diabetes and hypertension,” added Dr al-Malki.

There will be a number of activities at the primary health centres and hospitals as well as a walkathon and a symposium over this week as part of World Kidney Day.

From today until March 8, health awareness booths will be set up at the main entrances of Hamad General, Women’s, Al Wakra and Al Khor hospitals. The booths will be staffed by clinical teams from HMC and will provide patients, visitors, and other members of the public with information leaflets and health education materials. Dietitians and nephrology educators will also be available to provide advice and answer questions. There will be a walkathon on March 9 from 3pm to 6pm at the Doha Corniche.

From March 11 to 13, HMC will also host various awareness activities at select primary health centers and secondary schools, as well as at Qatar University, University of Calgary in Qatar, and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar.

“World Kidney Day is an important occasion to raise awareness about the kidney. We create awareness about the prevalence, behaviour and risk factors. We mark this day by organising many events to raise awareness about kidney,” added Dr al-Malki.

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