2025 World Kidney Day at St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa Orlu: Celebrating One Year of Life-Saving, Subsidized Dialysis Services. APRIL 2025.

Last month , on  Thursday, March 13, 2025, St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital, Umuowa Orlu, joined the global community to commemorate World Kidney Day 2025—a day dedicated to raising awareness of kidney health and advancing care for people with kidney diseases.

This year’s celebration was especially significant for our hospital. We marked one full year of offering 24/7 subsidized dialysis services—a milestone that has brought hope and healing to hundreds of families across the region.

In just 12 months, our dialysis unit—the most comprehensive and functional in the entire region—has recorded an astounding 300% increase in the number of dialysis sessions rendered, reflecting the growing trust the community places in our services.

From only a few weekly sessions in previous years to now operating round-the-clock, 7 days a week, the impact has been transformational. For many patients who would have otherwise had to travel long distances—or worse, go without life-sustaining care—St. Mary’s has become a lifeline.

In his keynote speech at the event, the President of the hospital, Rev. Dr. Sergius Duru, expressed gratitude for the progress made, while calling for continued support from well-meaning individuals and organizations:

“Exactly one year ago, with the generous support of our Austrian partners, we launched our subsidized dialysis program. Since then, lives have been saved, families restored, and hope rekindled in countless homes. But we cannot stop here. The burden of kidney disease is growing, and we need more hands on deck. I call on philanthropists, local businesses, government agencies, and the global Nigerian community to come forward and support this life-saving service. Help us keep dialysis accessible, help us keep hope alive.”

Dr. Obi Onukogu, the Medical Director of the hospital, highlighted the vital role the facility has played in addressing the rising incidence of kidney disease in the region:

“St. Mary’s Children and Community Hospital has become the foremost center for kidney care in this part of Nigeria. Our 24-hour dialysis unit is the only one of its kind in Imo State—fully equipped, staffed, and reliable. Beyond dialysis, we’ve intensified our focus on early detection, education, and lifestyle modification to help people prevent kidney failure. What we are witnessing is not just an increase in numbers, but a transformation in healthcare delivery—powered by vision, sacrifice, and community trust.”

This year’s World Kidney Day theme, “Kidney Health for All”, resonates deeply with our mission. At St. Mary’s, we believe no one should be denied treatment because of cost. That is why we have made dialysis more affordable, more available, and more human.

Our hospital stands as a beacon of hope in the Southeast, reminding the world that with commitment and compassion, healthcare can be accessible and life-saving—even in underserved regions.

As we celebrate one year of success, we look forward with determination. But we need your help. Every ₦1,000 you give brings a patient closer to life. Every donation fuels our machines, pays our staff, and buys critical consumables.

Together, we can give more people a second chance at life

📞For inquiries and donations, please call: +234 -8130978854