JAMAICANS URGED TO SCREEN ANNUALLY FOR KIDNEY DISEASE

Dr. Curtis Yeates

March 15, 2023 | By Colin O. Jarrett |

Jamaicans, particularly those suffering from hypertension and diabetes, are being urged to screen annually for kidney disease, in order to reduce the risk of end stage renal failure.

Consultant Internist and Nephrologist at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James, Dr. Curtis Yeates, made the call ahead of Thursday’s (March 9) commemoration of World Kidney Day.

The Day, being observed under the theme: ‘Kidney Health for All – Preparing for the Unexpected, Supporting the Vulnerable’, forms part of World Kidney Awareness Week, from March 5 to 11.

Dr. Yeates told JIS News that an estimated one in seven Jamaicans will develop kidney disease at some point in their lives, consequent on the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in the country.

He informed that hypertension and diabetes are the main causes of persons developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Jamaica.

“Hypertension and diabetes are very prevalent in Jamaica, such that, in the adult population, 15 to 74 years old, 31.5 per cent of the people have hype