KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 — To mark Malaysia’s local observance of World Kidney Day 2025, the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF), in collaboration with the Malaysian Society of Nephrology (MSN), recently hosted a special forum titled “Living Well with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Empowering Knowledge and Community Support.”
The event, held ahead of the global World Kidney Day on March 13, 2025, was graced by Dr Nor Azimi Yunus, deputy director-general of Health, underscoring the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) commitment to promoting kidney health awareness.
The event saw the participation of more than 500 attendees, including health care professionals, patients, caregivers, and the general public, reflecting a strong community interest in tackling this growing health issue.
Aligned with this year’s theme—”Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health”—one of the key highlights of the event was the two insightful forums, which provided essential education on early CKD detection, preventive strategies, and post-diagnosis management.
The first forum, “Navigating a New Normal: Stories of Hope and Resilience from Kidney Patients and Carers,” featured personal accounts from patients and caregivers, highlighting the emotional and practical challenges of living with CKD.
The second forum, “Detecting and Preventing CKD: From the Lens of a General Practitioner and Family Medicine Specialist (FMS),” brought together medical experts to discuss the role of early screening, dietary and lifestyle interventions, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in reducing CKD risks.
Together, these discussions empowered attendees with knowledge and practical strategies to take charge of their kidney health.
A United Effort To Combat CKD
“NKF remains committed to supporting the vision and policies of the Ministry of Health in strengthening the nation’s health care system,” said Dr T Thiruventhiran, Vice Chairman of NKF.
“Addressing kidney disease requires a multi-sectoral approach, fostering collaboration between the government, NGOs, the private sector, and the public.
“Continuous professional development initiatives, such as this forum, play a critical role in enhancing healthcare capabilities.
“The knowledge and insights shared today will contribute to raising medical standards and improving care for kidney patients in Malaysia,” he added.
The Importance Of Early Detection
Prof Dr Lim Soo Kun, President of the Malaysian Society of Nephrology (MSN), highlighted the urgency of early intervention in combating CKD.
“Chronic Kidney Disease is rising at an alarming rate, and awareness is key to prevention. As nephrologists, we see first-hand how simple lifestyle changes and early intervention can slow the disease’s progression,” he said.
He emphasised key proactive steps for kidney health, including:
- Routine health screenings (urine and blood tests).
- Adopting a kidney-friendly diet (reducing sodium and processed foods).
- Maintaining hydration and regular physical activity.
- Managing diabetes and hypertension to reduce kidney damage risks.
“Every individual must take charge of their kidney health. Small, consistent actions today can prevent serious complications in the future,” said Dr Lim.
Expanding Awareness Beyond The Forum
Beyond the event, NKF and MSN are continuing their advocacy efforts to ensure kidney health remains a national priority.
MSN has lined up 35 Combat Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) roadshows nationwide, an initiative designed exclusively for healthcare professionals, offering insights and expert discussions on CKD management.
In the coming months, NKF will launch podcasts and collaborate with leading radio stations, to amplify key messages on kidney health.
Additionally, NKF will roll out VoKAL (Voice-out Kidney Alliance)—a nationwide kidney support group committed to uniting, empowering, and amplifying patient voices.
By cultivating a strong, informed community, VoKAL not only provides a platform for shared experiences but also drives meaningful change, shaping NKF’s future strategies in awareness-building, patient advocacy, and policy influence.
The local celebration of World Kidney Day 2025 marks the beginning of an ongoing movement to equip Malaysians with the knowledge to take proactive steps in safeguarding their kidney health.
NKF encourages individuals to undergo regular screenings, adopt healthier habits, and seek medical advice early to prevent CKD from becoming a silent threat.
Click here for more information on NKF’s initiatives or follow NKF on social media for updates on upcoming health programmes.
