On a vibrant Thursday morning, the streets of Ikot Ekpene and Uyo came alive with hope and rhythm as the Atim Ekanem Foundation marked World Kidney Day 2025 with an inspiring campaign.
Under this year’s global theme, “Are Your Kidneys Okay?”, the foundation launched an aggressive enlightenment drive to combat kidney-related diseases, a growing health challenge in Nigeria and beyond.
With flyers in hand, counseling sessions in full swing, and volunteers breaking into dance, the team brought kidney awareness to rural and urban communities alike in Akwa Ibom State.
The day kicked off early in Ikot Ekpene, where the foundation’s team engaged men, women, and youth, sharing vital information about kidney health.
Mrs. Etido Kretschmer, the passionate founder of the Atim Ekanem Foundation, emphasized the urgency of their mission.
“I established this team to create awareness of the dangers of kidney-related diseases that have killed many people in Nigeria, especially in African rural communities.
“Kidney health is becoming a serious challenge, and we’re using this medium to let people know it’s something to take seriously.”
From Ikot Ekpene, the campaign hit the road, winding through Abak Road and Aka Road before landing at the iconic Ibom Plaza in Uyo.
There, the scene was electric—volunteers handed out flyers, offered free counseling, and danced their way into the hearts of onlookers.
“We’re the voice to the voiceless,” Mrs. Kretschmer declared. “We’ve been able to help people, settle bills for those with kidney problems in urban and rural areas, and provide free medical screenings across the state.
The Atim Ekanem Foundation has been here for years, and we’re not stopping now.”
Kidney disease is a silent threat worldwide.
According to global health statistics, over 850 million people suffer from chronic kidney disease, with many cases undiagnosed until it’s too late.
In Nigeria, factors like poor access to healthcare, high salt intake, and low awareness exacerbate the problem, particularly in rural areas.
She added: “The kidney is a delicate organ. It filters dirt from your blood, turning it into urine. If it stops working, waste builds up, and that’s why checkups are critical. We’re here to make sure everyone knows that.”
The response was overwhelming. “When we go to urban and rural areas, the villagers come in numbers,” she shared.
“Literacy can be a challenge—some say, ‘What I don’t know won’t kill me’—but they’re excited, and we’re impressed by their turnout.”
The foundation’s efforts bridge this gap, offering hope where it’s needed most.
Reflecting on the journey, Mrs. Kretschmer’s gratitude shone through.
“I want to say thank you to everyone—emotionally and financially—who’s been assisting me, my family, and my friends since I started this. I really appreciate it.”
As the volunteers danced into the afternoon at Ibom Plaza, the message rang loud and clear: kidney health matters, and in Akwa Ibom, the Atim Ekanem Foundation is leading the charge—one step, one flyer, one life at a time.
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