March 12 marks World Kidney Day. On this occasion, the Moroccan Society of Kidney Diseases (SMN) and AstraZeneca Morocco unite their efforts under the slogan “Mobilizing Efforts for Kidney Health,” through a shared commitment aimed at improving patient care in Morocco by enhancing early detection, accelerating diagnosis, and facilitating timely access to healthcare for people living with chronic kidney disease.
Chronic kidney disease affects between 1.4 and 2.2 million adults in Morocco, while more than 320,000 people live with kidney failure, including over 44,000 patients receiving chronic dialysis treatment. Since this disease often progresses silently to advanced stages, a large number of patients are diagnosed late, when dialysis or kidney transplantation becomes imminent. By directing efforts toward prevention, early detection, and early treatment at the primary healthcare level, Morocco can slow disease progression, reduce cardiovascular risks, and decrease reliance on dialysis, helping patients live healthier and longer.
AstraZeneca Morocco and the Moroccan Society of Kidney Diseases: Toward Early Detection and Better Care
Simple and accessible tests near you:
In collaboration with the Moroccan Society of Kidney Diseases, support is provided for simple kidney tests in primary healthcare centers for those most at risk, such as people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. These tests include blood pressure measurement, a simple blood test, and a urine test, which are capable of early detection of problems before symptoms appear.
AstraZeneca Morocco and the Moroccan Society of Kidney Diseases also work with healthcare professionals to promote the initiation of appropriate treatments within clear care pathways based on scientific recommendations, aiming to slow disease progression and reduce associated complications and costs.
Reducing hospital stays, admissions, and environmental impact:
Early detection of chronic kidney disease helps patients maintain their health longer, avoid unnecessary hospitalizations, and reduce the need for dialysis. This also contributes to easing the burden on families and reducing the environmental impact of healthcare in terms of water and energy consumption and medical waste reduction.
Statement by Professor Tarik Sqalli, former President of the Moroccan Society of Kidney Diseases:
“Morocco faces a growing burden of chronic kidney disease, but it also possesses clear intervention tools. By enhancing early detection among the most at-risk groups, organizing healthcare pathways, and facilitating rapid access to evidence-based treatments, we can slow disease progression, improve patient health outcomes, and alleviate pressure on families and the healthcare system. Our collaboration with AstraZeneca is at the core of these national priorities and within our mission to advance kidney health for all.”
Statement by Amine Sekhri, General Manager of AstraZeneca Morocco:
“Chronic kidney disease is still often detected at advanced stages. The time has come to change this reality. On the occasion of World Kidney Day, we renew our commitment to making early detection and rapid care according to scientific recommendations a priority in Morocco. With the Moroccan Society of Kidney Diseases and all our partners, we are working to support practical solutions in primary healthcare, identify at-risk patients early, and accelerate access to treatments, contributing to sustainably improving patients’ lives and creating a positive impact on the healthcare system.”
