Prevention

World Kidney Day: free screenings and examinations across Italy

Creatininemia and urine tests are simple, inexpensive and non-invasive tests that can identify the disease when it is still manageable

by Ernesto Diffidenti

11 March 2026

Adult and child holding kidney shaped paper on textured blue background, world kidney day, National Organ Donor Day, charity donation concept

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

Open doors in nephrology
The possible turnaround of peritoneal dialysis

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

On World Kidney Day, which this year is celebrated on 12 March, free screening will be available throughout the country to detect chronic kidney disease (CKD). An insidious disease because it is silent: patients do not feel any symptoms in the early stages of the disease until it manifests itself in a severe, life-threatening form.

The free screenings will be accessible to everyone: in squares, shopping centres, general practitioners' offices, and pharmacies. The initiative, promoted by the Italian Kidney Foundation (FIR) and the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN), aims to facilitate the early diagnosis of MRC by ensuring timely interventions, capable of slowing down the use of replacement therapies - dialysis and transplantation - even by more than 25 years.

Open Doors in Nephrology

Simple, inexpensive and non-invasive tests are needed for screening: creatininemia and urine tests that can identify the problem when it is still manageable, allowing therapeutic interventions that significantly slow down the progression of the disease.

In addition, through the 'Open Doors in Nephrology' initiative, nephrology and dialysis centres throughout Italy will offer free specialist examinations, blood pressure measurement and urine tests. In addition, the awareness campaign will reach schools, with information activities for children, because kidney health prevention starts with awareness.

"Screening is particularly crucial for those living in socio-economically disadvantaged conditions, precisely because MRC disproportionately affects the most vulnerable populations," emphasises Luca De Nicola, president of the Italian Society of Nephrology and full professor, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli - "In fact, community screening programmes have been shown to significantly increase access to treatment in disadvantaged communities - a principle that guides the entire initiative for the Day. Not only that. It is essential to intervene at an early stage of the disease so that the treatment options available today are truly effective and limit the need to resort to haemodialysis, a therapy burdened by multiple complications, reduced quality of life and high costs for the NHS'.

The possible breakthrough of peritoneal dialysis

At the same time, the nephrology scientific community announces a crucial discussion on the future of treatments for patients in the advanced stages of Chronic Kidney Disease. On the occasion of World Kidney Day, the 'Stati Generali della Dialisi Peritoneale' (General States of Peritoneal Dialysis) will be held tomorrow in Rome. This event will bring together the main players of the health system in Italia - clinicians, institutions, patient associations and regional representatives - on 12 March to discuss the role and prospects of this home-based therapy, which, although it is highly effective and guarantees a good quality of life, with cost savings, is still underused in our country.

Peritoneal dialysis emerges from scientific evidence as a treatment that goes far beyond mere clinical efficacy: it is a choice that changes patients' lives, guaranteeing them autonomy, continuity in work and affection, and the possibility of integrating the treatment into their daily lives without the interruptions imposed by hospital dialysis. But not only for patients: it is also the most sustainable choice for the planet and the most cost-effective for the national health system.

"The dialogue that we have already started with the institutions and which finds a public moment of confrontation represents a fundamental step in the paradigm shift that we want to promote," says De Nicola, SIN President. "The objective is clear: to accelerate the implementation of peritoneal dialysis in the various Italian regions, aligning with the most advanced European and non-European countries and guaranteeing each patient the best therapy available."