The three-day event, dubbed “Kidneys for All”, was launched to coincide with World Kidney Day that was observed on Thursday. Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah was also present at the function. An exhibition was also held on the sidelines.

Speaking on the occasion, Prince Abdulaziz said kidney disease has become a global problem. Quoting statistics from the World Health Organization, the prince pointed out that around 500 million people are suffering from renal diseases. He explained diabetes and hypertension are the two main causes for kidney problems. He said the global expectation is that another 300 million people will be affected with diabetes and hypertension by 2025.

He said around 75 countries are observing the World Kidney Day this week to create public awareness about the effects of renal disease and how it could be prevented. It is estimated that $1 trillion will be spent on dialysis treatment in the world during the next 10 years.

The prince said his society looks after 700 renal failure patients in the Kingdom. “The society cannot fulfill the needs of all kidney patients in the Kingdom,” he said. However, it helps the Ministry of Health in its efforts in looking after kidney patients in the Kingdom.

Kellana is an organization headed by Defense Minister Prince Salman, who is dedicated to serving patients in general and kidney patients in particular, the prince said.

The prince said society could extend its services to more kidney patients in the Kingdom, provided it gets financial support from philanthropists in the country. “At present, we are covering only 9 percent of renal patients in the Kingdom. We can support more people with contributions from generous people,” he said.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the organization conducted a nationwide survey to ascertain the volume of renal failure patients throughout the Kingdom. It regularly conducts health, social, educational and rehabilitative programs related to kidney diseases.

Thanking the contributors who made voluntary donations toward Kellana through its SMS program, the prince said that there are around 450,000 kind-hearted people who have helped the cause of kidney patients in the Kingdom. Earlier in a statement, the prince said the society helps both nationals and expatriates irrespective of their religion.

The mission of World Kidney Day is to raise awareness of the importance of kidneys to overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide.

Its objective is to highlight that diabetes and high blood pressure are key risk factors for chronic kidney disease and to encourage systematic screening of such patients. It is also aimed at educating medical professionals about their key role in detecting and reducing the risk of chronic kidney diseases, particularly in high-risk demographic groups. It also encourages transplantation as a best-outcome option for kidney failure, and the act of organ donation as a life-saving initiative.

Refuting allegations that the Ministry of Health is neglecting kidney patients, Al-Rabeeah said his officials are dedicated to serve such patients in all parts of the Kingdom. “Lately, we have added seven more dialysis centers to the existing 134 facilities that has 1,200 machines. The minister said that he has chalked out new strategy to serve renal failure patients with funds of SR180 million. This is the first phase and subsequently the ministry would implement more programs, he noted.

He pointed out renal failure patients not only need medical support, but also need psychological treatment. The ministry offers both these services in all its dialysis centers spread throughout the Kingdom.

Thanking King Abdullah for his keenness on providing equal health opportunities for all people, Al-Rabeeah said the ministry had undertaken various programs not only to treat kidney patients but also to tell them how to prevent these diseases.

The minister attributed the increasing number of cases of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and kidney failure to change in people's lifestyles.

The minister said to face these challenges, the ministry needs the support of the public and private sectors and charitable organizations such as Kellana.

He commended the outstanding role of Kellana in its service toward the community and thanked Prince Salman and Prince Abdulaziz for their yeoman services rendered in looking after renal patients in the Kingdom.

Dr. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Saran, director of the awareness campaign, said his initiative is launched to encourage people to donate kidneys to help those suffering from End-Stage-Of-Renal Disease (ESRD).

Saran, who is also the general director of Kellana, took the opportunity to thank all those responsible for the success of the program and said people must realize the ordeal kidney patients undergo both in hospitals and in their own homes.

Speaking on behalf of kidney patients, Hussein Al-Tamimi thanked officials of the event sponsors who have come forward not only create awareness among people but also to harvest more kidneys from people to give a new lease of life to ESRD patients.