World Kidney Day 2027 is on Thursday

About World Kidney Day

The kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from the blood and help control blood pressure, yet damage to them can build up quietly for years. According to World Kidney Day, chronic kidney disease affects about one in ten adults worldwide, and most people with it have no signs or symptoms until late in the disease. Diabetes and high blood pressure are among its main causes. Simple blood and urine tests can catch problems early, when treatment can slow the damage, but dialysis and transplants remain out of reach for many patients in lower-income countries.

World Kidney Day started in 2006. It is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations - World Kidney Alliance, which appoint a joint steering committee to run the campaign. It is held every year on the second Thursday in March, so the date moves between March 8 and March 14.

Each campaign has its own theme and a scientific editorial published by the organizers. The 2026 campaign, held on March 12, was titled "Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet." For 2027, set for March 11, the steering committee chose "Kidneys, Heart, and Metabolism: The Core of Your Health," reflecting the close links among kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Hospitals, kidney foundations and patient groups take part with screening events, talks and online campaigns.

Sources: World Kidney Day: Who we are, World Kidney Day: Frequently asked questions, World Kidney Day: 2027 campaign, World Kidney Day: 2026 campaign, World Kidney Day: About kidney health. How we check dates.

How to mark World Kidney Day

• Ask your doctor whether you should have a kidney check, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or a family history of kidney failure.
• Keep blood pressure and blood sugar in your target ranges by following the plan you agreed with your health care team.
• Ask a pharmacist or doctor before taking painkillers such as ibuprofen regularly, since some medicines can strain the kidneys.
• Learn about organ donation and register your decision with your national or state donor registry.
• Join a local screening event, walk or talk organized by a kidney foundation or hospital.

World Kidney Day dates