World Kidney Day 2024 in Gabon: a national mobilisation for equitable access to kidney care

In March 2024, the Gabonese Society of Nephrology (SOGANEPH) successfully organised the 2024 edition of World Kidney Day in Gabon. Held under the international theme “Kidney health for all: advancing equitable access to care and optimal medication practice”, the campaign mobilised health professionals, public authorities, institutional partners, patients and volunteers around a shared goal: strengthening prevention and improving the management of kidney disease.

The activities took place on 13 and 14 March 2024 in Libreville, Port-Gentil and Franceville, under the high patronage of the President of the Transition, Brigadier General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, ambassador of the event, and under the coordination of Professor Adrien Mougougou, Minister of Health and Social Affairs.

An event built on strong partnerships

This edition was organised by SOGANEPH, under the chairmanship of the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, in collaboration with World Kidney Day, the Gabonese Society of Paediatrics, and the haemodialysis centres of Port-Gentil and Franceville.

This synergy between the various players in the health sector made it possible to offer a rich programme of scientific, educational and preventive activities, aimed at both health professionals and the general public.

Informing, raising awareness and screening

Over these two days, several activities were organised to raise public awareness of kidney disease and of the importance of early screening.

Participants benefited from open days, information sessions, consultations and screening, while receiving advice on good practices for preserving their kidney function.

One of the campaign’s main messages was simple but essential: take care of your kidneys by adopting a healthy lifestyle and staying properly hydrated.

Through its communication campaigns, SOGANEPH reminded the public that drinking enough water every day supports kidney function and helps prevent many kidney conditions.

A patient’s testimony to raise awareness differently

To bring the public closer to the reality experienced by people with kidney failure, the campaign gave a voice to Hénoc Mansare, a senior telecommunications technician and Secretary General of the Association of Haemodialysis Patients of Gabon.

Through his testimony, he shared his journey, his daily life and the importance of early screening. His contribution was a reminder that kidney disease can affect anyone and that prevention remains the best weapon for protecting one’s health.

Training future nephrology specialists

World Kidney Day was also an opportunity to strengthen the training of future health professionals.

Interns from the internal medicine department made an educational visit to the National Haemodialysis Centre, where they deepened their knowledge of the care of dialysis patients, the operation of the equipment and clinical practice in nephrology.

This initiative illustrates SOGANEPH’s commitment to medical excellence and to developing skills in the field of kidney disease.

Field mobilisation close to the population

Beyond the official activities, SOGANEPH volunteers — doctors, dialysis patients and other volunteers — went to the Igoumié district, in Bakota village, as part of the World Health Day activities.

This local campaign raised awareness among a wide audience and offered screening to the many residents who came along.

The delegation also received a visit from the Minister of Health, who came to encourage the teams and to stress the importance of prevention, early screening and good lifestyle habits.

Strong mobilisation in Port-Gentil

In Port-Gentil, the World Kidney Day celebration drew strong public participation.

The presence of Professor Adrien Mougougou, Minister of Health and Social Affairs, gave this edition a special dimension. The activities combined scientific meetings, awareness-raising and screening sessions intended in particular for children.

This mobilisation increased the visibility of the fight against kidney disease and highlighted the importance of equitable access to care throughout the country.

A lasting commitment to kidney health

Through this 2024 edition, SOGANEPH reaffirmed its commitment to prevention, screening and better management of kidney disease in Gabon.

The many activities held in Libreville, Port-Gentil and Franceville raised public awareness, trained health professionals and strengthened collaboration between public institutions, learned societies and patient associations.

Kidney health is everyone’s business. By eating a balanced diet, staying well hydrated, monitoring blood pressure and diabetes, and getting screened regularly, everyone can help keep their kidneys working properly.

Talk about it around you. A simple screening can save a life.

Take care of your kidneys by adopting healthy habits and staying hydrated.