In recognition of World Kidney Day observed today, 12th March, the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability (MHES) is highlighting ongoing work to strengthen kidney health services in the Cayman Islands.

This year’s theme: “Kidney health for all: Caring for people, protecting the planet”, underscores the importance of equitable access to treatment and early intervention to reduce the global burden of kidney disease. In keeping with this approach, the Ministry is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the Human Tissue Transplant Act. The review aims to ensure that transplant procedures can take place within a clear and robust regulatory framework that is prioritises transparency, safety, and clinical best practice.

“On World Kidney Day, we are reminded that kidney disease has impacted many families here in the Cayman Islands,” said Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks. “The Government is committed to strengthening the legal and clinical frameworks that will allow transplant services to develop safely, which will ultimately improve health outcomes for residents of the Cayman Islands.”

At present, human tissue transplants cannot proceed locally until the appropriate safeguards are firmly in place. Establishing these safeguards is essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring that all procedures meet the highest ethical and medical standards. The Ministry remains committed to working closely with the Human Tissue Transplant Council to ensure that the required facilities, expertise and quality systems are in place which to effectively regulate transplant facilities and practitioners.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hilary Wolf, emphasised the importance of prevention and early management of chronic conditions linked to kidney disease, stating: “kidney disease is often linked to chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. By strengthening prevention and early management of these conditions, we can reduce the number of people who progress to kidney failure. At the same time, developing a safe and well-regulated transplant programme will help ensure that patients who require advanced care have treatment options available closer to home.”

The Ministry also continues to advance a preventative approach to kidney disease. Through the upcoming Pan American Hearts Organization (PAHO) HEARTS initiative, the Ministry is strengthening prevention and management of hypertension and diabetes, helping to reduce the future burden of kidney disease and the potential need for kidney transplants.

One of the key preventative measures for reducing the risk of kidney disease is maintain regular physical activity. In support of this approach, the Ministry will be launching a national Movement Challenge on 29th March 2026 to encourage residents to become more active. Further details will be announced shortly.