January-February. 2025 | The HEALTH
HOT TOPIC 19
A national priority
NAVIGATING A NEW NORMAL: Stories of hope and resilience from kidney patients and carers: A powerful panel discussion featuring individuals who have lived through the challenges of kidney disease, including dialysis patients, transplant recipients, and caregivers. Moderated by Dr Tan Li Ping, the session provided a platform for Meldy Koay Seow Hong, Siva Kumar Raghavan, Muhamad Ridwan Jahidin, and Roslini Che Min to share their journeys, highlighting resilience, hope, and the importance of support networks in overcoming CKD-related challenges.
MALAYSIA’ S national observance of World Kidney Day 2025 highlighted the critical need for early detection and prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease( CKD).
In her keynote address, Deputy Director- General of Health( Medical) Dato’ Paduka Dr Nor Azimi Yunus emphasised the rising burden of CKD and the urgent need for proactive healthcare interventions.
“ Chronic kidney disease( CKD) is a major global public health issue and has emerged as one of the leading causes of death, affecting more than 800 million individuals worldwide,” she stated. healthcare providers with the knowledge and tools necessary to raise medical standards and improve patient care in Malaysia.
Prof Dr Lim Soo Kun, president of the Malaysian Society of Nephrology( MSN), echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the pressing need for early intervention in the fight against CKD.
“ Chronic Kidney Disease is rising at an alarming rate, and awareness is key to prevention. As nephrologists, we see firsthand how simple lifestyle changes and early intervention can slow the disease’ s progression.”
TAKING CHARGE
Dr Lim outlined key steps every individual should take to safeguard kidney health:
• Routine health screenings – Regular urine and blood tests can detect CKD at its earliest, most treatable stages.
• Adopting a kidney-friendly diet – Reducing sodium and processed foods helps lower the risk of kidney damage.
• Staying hydrated and physically active – Regular exercise and adequate hydration support overall kidney function.
• Managing diabetes and hypertension – Controlling these two primary causes of CKD can significantly reduce kidney disease risks.“ Every individual must take charge of their kidney health. Small, consistent actions today can prevent serious complications in the future,” he added.
EXPANDING AWARENESS
While the WKD forum represented a significant advancement in raising awareness, the National Kidney Foundation( NKF) and the Medical Society of Nephrology( MSN) are sustaining their advocacy initiatives to guarantee that kidney health continues to be a national priority.
MSN has organised 35‘ Combat Chronic Kidney Disease( CKD)’ roadshows across the nation, targeting healthcare professionals and providing expert discussions and comprehensive insights into managing CKD.
In the upcoming months, NKF will also launch podcasts and establish collaborations with prominent radio stations to enhance the dissemination of essential messages concerning kidney health.
Another key initiative is VoKAL( Voiceout Kidney Alliance), a national support group aimed at uniting and empowering patients. By fostering a strong and informed community, VoKAL strives to drive meaningful change in awareness promotion, patient advocacy, and healthcare policy influence.
TAKE ACTION
The observance of World Kidney Day 2025 in Malaysia marks the start of an ongoing movement to equip individuals with the knowledge to take proactive steps in safeguarding their kidney health. NKF urges Malaysians to undergo regular screenings, adopt healthier habits, and seek medical advice early to prevent CKD from becoming a silent threat.
With CKD cases on the rise, initiatives like these serve as critical touchpoints in empowering the public to take ownership of their kidney health. Through continued collaboration and education, Malaysia moves one step closer to reducing the burden of kidney disease and ensuring better health outcomes for future generations, ultimately helping to prevent CKD from becoming a silent threat. – The HEALTH
DETECTION AND PREVENTION: From the lens of a general practitioner and Family Medicine Specialist( FMS)- A vital discussion featuring leading healthcare professionals on the role of early detection and primary care in combating Chronic Kidney Disease. Moderated by Assoc. Prof Dr Ruslinda Mustafar, the panel included Dr Shanmuganathan Ganeson, Dr Wong Ping Foo, Dr Norlen Mohamed, and Dr Loh Chek Loong, who emphasised the importance of preventive strategies, patient education, and multidisciplinary collaboration in reducing the burden of kidney disease in Malaysia.
RISING PREVALENCE
The prevalence of CKD in Malaysia has seen a significant rise over the years.
“ The Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey 2011 showed that the prevalence of CKD among adults was 9.07 per cent, and only 4 per cent of respondents were aware of their diagnosis. Another study in 2018 revealed that the prevalence of CKD in Malaysia had increased to 15.48 per cent over seven years.”
THE LEADING CAUSES
She further noted that diabetes and hypertension remain the leading causes of kidney failure.
“ Diabetes mellitus( DM) and hypertension( HPT) remain the leading causes of end-stage kidney disease( ESKD) in Malaysia. In 2023, the incidence of dialysis patients due to DM and HPT was 56 per cent and 30.1 per cent, respectively.”
The financial burden of CKD on Malaysia’ s healthcare system is substantial.“ Healthcare costs and resource utilisation associated with CKD and declining kidney function are a significant burden on the healthcare system and payers, and this burden increases as CKD progresses,” she warned.
She emphasised the importance of early screening and intervention, stating:“ Early detection of CKD, particularly urine albuminuria / proteinuria screening, combined with proactive disease management, can improve patient care quality and significantly reduce healthcare costs.”
GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT
Dr Nor Azimi reaffirmed the government’ s commitment to improving kidney care accessibility.
“ The MoH firmly believes that all efforts to bridge the knowledge gap and improve access to treatment among communities, patients, healthcare practitioners, and policymakers must be enhanced.”
She called for a multi-sectoral approach to combat CKD, emphasising that“ the fight against kidney disease, especially diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, requires a sustainable approach that spans all sectors, including the government, private sector, industries, and the Malaysian public.”