World Kidney Day 2026

It’s World Kidney Day! This year’s theme is Kidney Health for All - Caring for People, Protecting the Planet. The 2026 campaign calls for protecting kidney health through prevention, early detection, and more sustainable care that reduces environmental impact while improving equity and outcomes worldwide.

The theme builds on a resolution adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2025, specifically addressing the interconnectedness of kidney disease and environmental determinants, including climate change.

See the WorldKidneyDay.org 2026 campaign page to learn more!

From Prevention to Sustainability:
Kidney Health for All

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 1 in 10 people in BC and often goes unnoticed — yet early detection can save lives. At the same time, climate change and pollution are increasing the burden of CKD by negatively impacting overall human health. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events increase risks of dehydration and heat-related kidney injury, while air, land and water pollution contribute to CKD progression. Extreme weather events like wildfires and floods also make it harder for people already living with CKD to access life-sustaining kidney replacement therapies, such as dialysis or transplantation, and other aspects of care and support.

Environmental Impacts of Kidney Care

Treatment options for end-stage kidney disease save lives, but these therapies, particularly dialysis, are also resource intensive and have a significant environmental footprint. Dialysis not only requires large volumes of water and energy; it generates substantial single-use plastic waste from tubing and packaging.

There are many opportunities to reduce emissions and waste without compromising patient care. As a BC Renal patient partner shared:

“Being on both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis opened my eyes to the amount of waste generated. It's staggering. Reduce, reuse, recycle isn't just a slogan—it's something we need to bring into kidney care. Seeing the work we have done toward planetary health gives me hope that we can move forward at a better pace." 

– Qualicum First Nation Chief Michael Recalma

Prevention and Early Detection: A Win-Win

Preventing CKD and detecting it early not only improves health outcomes but also reduces the environmental impact of care. Fewer patients progressing to dialysis means less resource use and waste. Lifestyle changes and managing risk factors like diabetes and hypertension are key steps.

“Understanding kidney disease risk factors early can change everything. Not only does it help people avoid intensive treatment like dialysis, but it also leads to better health overall—benefits that extend beyond individuals to the environment as well."

– Helen Chiu, BC Renal's Quality Lead, Patient-Centred Performance Improvement

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How You Can Help

 

This World Kidney Day, let's work together to protect the health of both people and our planet.

Every action counts—because caring for people means caring for the planet too.