In recognition of World Kidney Day, students from the Department of Clinical Technology at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) participated in community outreach initiatives aimed at raising awareness about kidney health and promoting the early detection and prevention of kidney disease.
Second-year Clinical Technology students.
Second-year Clinical Technology students led an awareness programme at eThekwini District 8’s Malvern Clinic in Queensburgh, where they engaged with community members through educational activities and health promotion initiatives. The programme reached a diverse audience, including senior citizens, school learners and patients visiting the clinic.
The outreach was aligned with global World Kidney Day themes, which emphasise the importance of prevention, early detection and timely management of kidney disease.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) remains a significant global health challenge, affecting an estimated one in ten people worldwide. During the programme, students highlighted key risk factors associated with kidney disease, including diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, while encouraging community members to adopt healthier lifestyles and seek regular health screenings.
As part of the awareness campaign, students conducted blood pressure screenings and distributed educational material containing practical information on kidney health and disease prevention. The initiative provided students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting while making a meaningful contribution to community health education.
The outreach programme was planned and facilitated by the students, demonstrating their commitment to health advocacy and community engagement.
In addition, first-year Clinical Technology students participated in World Kidney Day activities at St Aidan’s Hospital, working alongside healthcare professionals to support blood pressure monitoring and blood glucose testing, further promoting awareness of kidney disease and its associated risk factors.
Extending the campaign beyond healthcare facilities, Clinical Technology lecturer Dr Benjamin also featured on Highway Radio on World Kidney Day, where he discussed the importance of kidney health, early screening and preventative care with a wider audience.
“Community outreach programmes provide an important platform for students to translate theory into practice while promoting health awareness among vulnerable communities. This initiative reflects DUT’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only skilled professionals, but also active contributors to societal wellbeing,” said DUT Communications Manager, Mr Tiyani Mboweni.
Through these initiatives, DUT Clinical Technology students continue to play an active role in promoting public health awareness while gaining valuable experiential learning opportunities that prepare them to become compassionate and socially responsive healthcare professionals.
Pictured: Second-year Clinical Technology students during the kidney awareness programme at eThekwini District 8’s Malvern Clinic in Queensburgh.
Dr Sherilene Benjamin
