Ministry of Health Warns of Rising Kidney Disease Among Field Workers

Managers for various organizations that have field workers gathered in Belize City today for a special session on kidney disease hosted by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The session aims to sensitize managers about the rise in non-traditional kidney disease, which is caused by risk factors outside of hypertension and diabetes. The Ministry is highlighting the various risk factors affecting field workers, including prolonged exposure to heat and extended periods of dehydration. The Ministry is providing the information with the goal of getting managers to develop interventions to protect their workers. Dr. Jorge Polanco, Director of Hospital Services and Allied Health for the Ministry, explained that the session is necessary as data from the region shows a rise in cases. 

Dr. Polanco said that one of the major challenges in addressing non-traditional kidney disease will be changing the culture of consuming high-sugar drinks and fatty foods. 

The session forms a part of a pledge made by Health Ministers from across the region back in 2019 to address the issue. Today’s session is the third in a set of stakeholder meetings on non-traditional kidney disease. The ministry has also met with medical staff, health educators and public health inspectors.