Sina Salem Ahim
1 
, Shiva Hosseinian
2 , Salehoddin Bouya
3 , Parham Habiby
4 , Maryam Miri
5 , Saba Homapour
6 , Maede Safari
7 , Mahsa Asadollahi Hamedani
8 , Rasoul Jafari Arismani
9* 1 Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
2 School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology Research Center, Ali Ibne Abitaleb Hospital, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
4 Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Arel University, Istanbul, Türkiye
5 Kidney Transplantation Complications Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
6 Department of Nephrology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
7 Urology Department, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
8 Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
9 Department of Urologic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
Abstract
World Kidney Day (WKD), established in 2006, marks a pivotal milestone in 2026 as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. This event was first observed on March 9, 2006, as a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF), now known as the International Kidney Foundation – World kidney alliance (IKF-WKA). The primary objective was to raise global awareness about the increasing burden of kidney diseases and to promote preventive behaviors and equitable access to care. Since its inception, WKD has grown into a powerful global movement, celebrated annually on the second Thursday of March by several countries across six continents. As WKD approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, it offers a timely opportunity to reflect on two decades of achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. Over the past two decades, WKD has evolved from a modest awareness initiative into a globally recognized health campaign, uniting healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patient advocacy groups in the efforts against kidney disease. Finally, this event highlights the importance of addressing chronic kidney disease through awareness, prevention, screening, and comprehensive management to improve outcomes and reduce the global health burden of kidney disease.
Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:
World kidney day (WKD) is an international health awareness initiative dedicated to improving knowledge about kidney disease and promoting kidney health. Celebrated every year on the second Thursday of March, WKD aims to lower the prevalence and consequences of kidney-related conditions worldwide. This campaign is a collaborative effort between the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF). The main goal of WKD is to highlight the essential role of the kidneys in maintaining overall health and to lessen the global impact of kidney diseases. The initiative emphasizes key areas such as prevention, early diagnosis, and proper treatment of kidney disorders. This mission also addresses the fact that kidney disease is common, harmful, and treatable, yet often goes undetected due to a general lack of public awareness.
Please cite this paper as: Salem Ahim S, Hosseinian S, Bouya S, Habiby P, Miri M, Homapour S, Safari M, Asadollahi Hamedani M, Jafari Arismani R. Twenty years of world kidney day; a review of its mission and milestones. J Renal Inj Prev. 2025; x(x): e38692. doi: 10.34172/jrip.2025.38692.