HMC and Ooredoo officials at one of the events.
DOHA: A slew of events has been scheduled to educate the public on risk factors for chronic kidney disease.
In recognition of World Kidney Day, observed on the second Thursday of March each year, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is partnering with Ooredoo to raise awareness about the importance of good kidney health. Embracing the 2014 theme of ‘Chronic Kidney Disease and aging,’ HMC and Ooredoo are holding activities until March 14.
Special events will be held at Al Bayan School complex today. Free blood sugar, blood pressure and education activities will be held on March 13 at Souq Waqif, City Centre Mall, Aspire Zone and Hamad General Hospital.
A walkathon and other family activities will be held at Katara Cultural Village on March 14 and a symposium on March 15, where HMC experts will speak on latest research in the field.
Dr Hassan Al Malki, Consultant and Head of HMC’s Nephrology Department, said this year’s campaign is focusing on raising awareness of the risk factors associated with kidney disease, such as having diabetes or high blood pressure, smoking, having a family history of kidney disease and being over 50.
“Early detection of the disease makes it easier to manage and mitigate the risk of complications affecting the cardiovascular system and the brain,” he said.
“Kidney disease can be detected through blood and urine analysis. People prone to the disease, such as diabetic and hypertensive patients, should have their kidney function tested on regularly. If detected at an early stage, kidney disease can be treated.”
During a press conference at Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City to announce the events, Ali Abdulla Al Khater, Executive Director, HMC’s Corporate Communications Department, praised Ooredoo for sponsoring the campaign. The Peninsula
