World Kidney Day: 112 People Receive Free Consultations and Screenings at Ben Arous University Hospital
Ben Arous, Tunisia – 12 March 2026
On the occasion of World Kidney Day, 112 citizens benefited on Thursday from free medical consultations and kidney‑health screenings at the University Hospital of Ben Arous. The event was part of an “open‑door” day that offered blood‑glucose checks, blood‑pressure measurements, and rapid tests to detect renal and urinary tract diseases.
Event Overview
- Date: Second Thursday of March (World Kidney Day)
- Location: University Hospital of Ben Arous, Tunisia
- Services Provided:
- Blood‑glucose (glycemia) testing
- Blood‑pressure monitoring
- Rapid urine analysis for early signs of kidney disease
The initiative was organized in collaboration with the Tunisian Society of Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplantation (STNDT) and followed this year’s global theme: “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People and Protecting the Planet.”
Expert Insight – Dr. Hadia Majri
Dr. Hadia Majri, a nephrology specialist at Ben Arous Hospital, told the Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) that the day’s purpose is to raise public awareness about kidney disease and the importance of early screening.
“Kidney disease is a silent condition. Visible symptoms usually appear only after significant damage has occurred. That’s why timely awareness and medical examination are crucial.”
She emphasized that the most common causes—diabetes and hypertension—can be identified early through quick urine tests that detect warning markers.
Multidisciplinary Care
In addition to nephrologists, the free consultations were conducted by:
- A nutritionist
- A specialist in internal medicine
During the screenings, several previously undiagnosed cases of diabetes, hypertension, and early‑stage renal insufficiency were discovered. Affected patients were immediately referred for comprehensive medical follow‑up and further laboratory analysis.
Causes & Risk Factors
| Risk Factor | How It Affects the Kidneys |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | High blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels that filter waste, gradually reducing kidney function. |
| Hypertension | Persistent high pressure weakens the kidney’s filtration units (glomeruli). |
| Overweight & Obesity | Increases strain on kidneys and raises the risk of diabetes and hypertension. |
| Cardiovascular Disease | Shares common pathways that can impair renal health. |
| Recurrent Kidney Infections | Cause scarring and loss of functional tissue. |
| Genetic Predisposition | Family history can accelerate disease onset. |
| Long‑Term Use of Certain Analgesics | NSAIDs and similar drugs may harm renal tissue over time. |
Prevention Tips from Dr. Majri
- Regular Blood Tests – Check serum creatinine to assess kidney filtration capacity.
- Urine Analysis – Look for protein or blood, early indicators of renal stress.
- Blood‑Pressure Monitoring – Keep systolic/diastolic values within recommended ranges.
- Annual Screening for High‑Risk Groups – Diabetics, hypertensives, and those with a family history should undergo tests even without symptoms.
- Lifestyle Adjustments – Adopt a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, stay hydrated, and limit the use of nephrotoxic medications.
Early detection enables physicians to slow or halt disease progression through medication, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.
Collaboration & Global Theme
The event was co‑organized with the Tunisian Society of Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplantation (STNDT), aligning with the worldwide focus for 2026:
“Kidney Health for All: Caring for People and Protecting the Planet.”
This theme underscores the link between environmental sustainability and renal health, encouraging policies that reduce pollution and promote clean water—key factors in preventing kidney disease.
Further Reading
Read also: Dental bleaching – illegal clinics shut down and prosecuted
Keywords: World Kidney Day, kidney disease, renal health, early detection, diabetes, hypertension, Ben Arous, Tunisia, free medical screening, nephrology, STNDT.
