On March 13, 2025, the Atim Ekanem Foundation (AEF) championed kidney health through a dedicated awareness walk across Ikot Ekpene and Uyo in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This walk was part of our unwavering commitment to raising awareness about Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and promoting early detection.
Why We Walked
CKD continues to claim lives across Nigeria, and early detection remains the most effective defense. The theme of this year’s campaign, “Are Your Kidneys OK?” captures the core of our mission.
Community Collaboration
Our walk brought together committed organizations like NEMA, Red Cross, Pear Media, Secretariat, Road Safety Corps, and the Nigeria Police Force, who shared our vision for healthier communities.
Key Highlights
- Raising Awareness: We educated participants about CKD and the steps to protect kidney health.
- Empowering the Public: Flyers with preventive tips were distributed to encourage early screenings.
- Direct Support: We visited St. Luke’s Hospital, Anua, offering financial support to patients undergoing dialysis and treatment.
Atim Ekanem Foundation’s founder, Mrs. Etido Kretschmer, shared her heartfelt reasons for starting this foundation:
“I lost my mother to kidney disease, and the pain of that loss inspired me to help others avoid the same fate. Through Atim Ekanem Foundation, I want to empower people with knowledge and access to early screenings.”
The Call to Action
We believe that through awareness and partnerships, we can significantly reduce the burden of CKD. We urge individuals, organizations, and policymakers to support our cause.
- Get Tested: Know your kidney health status.
- Stay Informed: Learn about risk factors and preventive measures.
- Advocate: Support policies that prioritize better kidney health infrastructure.
Together, we can create healthier communities and save lives.
