Fri | Mar 20, 2026

Nearly 200 persons screened for kidney disease at KPH health fair

Published:Friday | March 20, 2026 | 12:06 AM
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A KPH nephrology nurse educating a patient post-screening for kidney disease during the World Kidney Week Health Fair and Blood Drive on March 12.
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A KPH nephrology nurse educating a patient post-screening for kidney disease during the World Kidney Week Health Fair and Blood Drive on March 12.
State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Krystal Lee (3rd right), shares a light moment at the Mobile Blood Collection Unit during the World Kidney Week Health Fair and Blood Drive. Also sharing in the moment are (from left): Dwayne Francis,
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State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Krystal Lee (3rd right), shares a light moment at the Mobile Blood Collection Unit during the World Kidney Week Health Fair and Blood Drive. Also sharing in the moment are (from left): Dwayne Francis, acting CEO Kingston Public Hospital (KPH); Keishawna Pinnock, blood donor organiser, National Blood Transfusion Services, Dr Kimone Young, nephrology resident, KPH, Dr Kamille West-Mitchell, director, National Blood Transfusion Services, and Orrett Hart (DJ Bambino), radio personality.
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Approximately 200 persons were screened for kidney disease at a health fair and blood drive hosted by the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) in observance of World Kidney Day on March 12.

The event formed part of KPH’s Renal Week 2026 activities and the hospital’s 250th-anniversary celebrations, under the theme ‘Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet’, promoting awareness, prevention, and early detection of kidney disease.

Attendees benefited from free screenings for blood pressure, blood glucose, and urine testing for kidney function. Staff from the nephrology department provided guidance on preventing kidney disease through healthy lifestyle choices.

KPH currently manages approximately 88 patients with end-stage renal disease, highlighting the ongoing public health challenge of chronic disease in Jamaica.

Dr Kimone Young, resident of KPH and 2025 Cosmos Queen of Jamaica, emphasised the importance of early detection and awareness in reducing the burden of kidney disease.

“Kidney disease often progresses silently and is commonly linked to conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as unhealthy lifestyle habits. Through screening, education, and community engagement, we can help individuals better understand their risk factors and take steps to protect their kidney health before serious complications arise,” Dr Young said.

Acting chief executive officer of KPH, Dwayne Francis noted that such initiatives are important because they help to promote healthy lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases. He added that the health fair is part of KPH’s Prevention, Education, and Empowerment Programme, which aims to reduce the burden of kidney disease through sustained public awareness and community engagement.

The event also featured a blood drive conducted by the National Blood Transfusion Service using its Mobile Blood Collection Unit, bringing blood donation services directly to the hospital’s compound. A total of 38 persons registered to donate blood, resulting in the collection of 22 units to support the national blood supply.

The initiative highlighted the importance of community outreach and public education in improving health outcomes, while reinforcing KPH’s continued commitment to promoting wellness and providing quality care to the Jamaican population.