World Kidney Day (WKD) 2026 will be celebrated on 12 March, marking the 20th anniversary of the global campaign dedicated to kidney health. This year’s theme, “Kidney health for all: Caring for people, protecting the planet”.
This global event highlights the importance of person-centred care that is environmentally sustainable, at a time when chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects around 850 million people worldwide and is the ninth leading cause of death globally, with nearly 1.5 million deaths annually.
In Italy and around the world, Diaverum centres are enthusiastically mobilising to promote prevention, screening and awareness of kidney health. The commitment has been widespread across the country, with local programmes such as educational sessions in schools, free street screenings and open days for the public.
Featured initiatives
· In Copertino, an educational session on 9 March at the Don Tonino Bello School on kidney disease prevention for young people, followed by free screenings in the town square on 15 March in collaboration with the Italian Red Cross.
· In Rome and Fondi, ‘Open Days in Nephrology’ on 12 March with free screenings and nephrology consultations open to the public.
· In Formia (Dono Svizzero Hospital), a day of free nephrological screening, similar to other centres such as Fondi and Grottaglie, with public screening events and consultations.
Participating centres
The Diaverum teams in Taranto, Grottaglie, Copertino, Corato, Marsala, Palagonia, Petralia, Rome and Fondi have shown extraordinary dedication, helping to make prevention accessible. These activities demonstrate a genuine commitment to community wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
Thank you to all the teams for their passion, which makes kidney disease prevention accessible to everyone!
