Multifaceted approach to cultivating kidney health
To effectively reduce the burden and incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and proactively prevent individuals from progressing towards kidney failure, a comprehensive societal approach is imperative. In alignment with World Kidney Day on 14 March 2024, NKF orchestrated a series of events aimed at bolstering our initiatives in CKD education and prevention, as well as providing accessible kidney screening to combat kidney disease and benefit the public.
Kidney Health for All – unravelling life’s choices
NKF collaborated with renowned local illustrator and author Ah Guo 阿果, along with writer Perry Ho, to create NKF’s inaugural picture book titled “The Red String”. This book urges readers to cherish the choices that mould their future, subtly raising awareness about kidney health. The launch took place on 2 March 2024, during a 4-day public roadshow held at Marina Square from 29 February to 3 March 2024, attracting over 18,000 attendees and providing an interactive platform for exploring kidney health.
“I echo the message of The Red String and urge all of us to make healthy lifestyle choices and prioritise our kidney health.”
Guest of honour Ms Sun Xueling, Minister of State for Home Affairs & Social and Family Development, took the children on a mini adventure through a storytelling session of “The Red String”
“The Red String” is available at $12.95 (paperback) and $24.95 (hardcover) www.stbooks.sg, https://zshop.zaobao.sg, www.epigram.sg, Popular, Kinokuniya, City Book Room, Closetful of Books, Littered with Books, NUS CO-OP, September 21, Union Book, Zall Bookstore, Book Bar and Maha Yu Yi.
Reaching out to the Malay/Muslim community
NKF partnered with An-Nur Mosque to co-organise the health forum “Motivasi Ramadan” and a visit to NKF’s Kidney Discovery Centre, emphasising safe fasting practices and kidney health education. This initiative culminated in a community health screening in collaboration with Alami Clinic, benefitting over 7,000 individuals from the Marsiling and Woodlands community.
“Talking about diseases is a taboo subject that many choose to avoid. But it is always better for others to know now, before it is too late to do anything about it. Our collaboration with NKF to conduct a mass health screening exercise was a good start to invite our congregation to care more about their kidney health issues.”
Muhd Umaruddin Zainuddin, Head of Family & Community Engagement, An-Nur Mosque
Entrepreneurship and kidney health at bazaar
NKF participated in the Geylang Serai Ramadan bazaar for the second consecutive year from 15 March to 7 April 2024, showcasing patients’ entrepreneurial ventures and promoting kidney health awareness. The initiative achieved impressive sales exceeding $11,000, fostering a sense of purpose and pride among patients as part of their rehabilitation. Overall, this kidney health awareness effort reached over 47,000 members of the public. We are grateful to Wisma Geylang Serai for sponsoring our booth.
Free kidney screenings islandwide
NKF has partnered with over 145 GP clinics to offer free kidney screenings island-wide since March 2024. The screening consists of two simple tests: a blood test to assess kidney function by measuring creatinine levels, and a urine test to detect protein in the urine. Click on the button below to learn more about your risk for kidney disease and to redeem your complimentary kidney screening.
