Members - Joab Wako

Joab Wako

Country:​ Kenya
Region:​ Africa

What has been the impact of the World Kidney Day campaign in your location so far?​

Since my kidney transplant in 2016, I have participated in all World Kidney Day’s in my country. The day gives me hope despite the burden of kidney disease. Kenya has made progress in the last decade in dialysis. From a few dialysis patients, when Kenya only had a handful of dialysis machines, to over 5,000 dialysis patients today. World Kidney Day is an effective platform used by people living with kidney disease, caregivers, nurses, and doctors in reforming the quality and accessibility of dialysis and kidney care in the country.
Some wins on the affordability of dialysis are threatened with recent plans from the government to reduce dialysis session reimbursements. If implemented, dialysis patients would have to pay for part of their treatment incurring financial hardship. Also, I would like to see our transplant programs grow in the country.
World Kidney Day (WKD), a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF), is a global campaign that aims to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems.

When is WKD 2022? Thursday, March 10.

Get Involved!

  • Participate in, or organize a WKD event.
  • Follow and interact with WKD on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
  • Subscribe to the WKD Newsletter on the WKD website to receive monthly news and tips on how to take part in the campaign.
  • Become a WKD champion.
  • Share the WKD message with friends, family, colleagues, and patients to help us reach more people.

If you have any questions, please contact the World Kidney Day team at info@worldkidneyday.org.