People Warned Not to Rely on Ibuprofen for Pain Relief Due to Risk of Kidney Disease Original article courtesy of Storm Newton, Press Association Health Reporter People are being warned not to rely too heavily on common over the counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen for pain relief due to a potential risk of kidney disease. Experts highlight that people at higher risk of kidney disease, including those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or from Black and South Asian communities, should be particularly cautious. Key points Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac  can affect kidney function. These medicines can increase blood pressure  and damage blood vessels in the kidneys. People with diabetes or high blood pressure  are at greater risk of kidney disease. An estimated 7.2 million people in the UK  are living with chronic kidney disease. Around one million people in England are undiagnosed , according to Kidney Care UK. Many people regularly rely on over-the-counter pain relief , often without understanding the risks. Why this matters for kidney health Kidney disease is often called a silent condition , with no symptoms in the early stages. You can lose a significant amount of kidney function before noticing any warning signs. Managing blood pressure and medication use is essential to protect long-term kidney health . "At the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise (ACKEE), we see first-hand how late kidney disease is often diagnosed, especially within the African Caribbean community. I was diagnosed at stage 4, which is why we strongly believe that raising awareness about everyday risks — including over-the-counter medication use — is key to prevention and better outcomes." - Candice McKenzie, founder & director of the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise (ACKEE) If you are concerned If you are concerned about your medication or the impact they can have on your health, please speak to your GP or local pharmacist for advice. What action can you take today? A | Ask your pharmacist or GP - If you regularly take pain relief such as ibuprofen, speak to your pharmacist or GP to understand the safest options for you. C | Consider your kidney risk - If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, take extra care with medication use. K | Keep healthy habits - Reduce salt and processed foods, stay active, limit alcohol, and stop smoking to lower your risk of kidney disease. E | Educate yourself - Learn about safe use of medications and kidney health. Follow trusted sources like ACKEE on Instagram and Facebook E | Engage with your community - Share this information and encourage others to speak to healthcare professionals if they are concerned. How you can support ACKEE: Share  – Share this blog and ACKEE’s work to raise awareness about kidney health Donate  – ACKEE’s work is only possible thanks to champions like you. Kidney disease disproportionately affects the African Caribbean community, and many still lack access to information and support. Make a donation today . Your generosity helps ACKEE provide education and resources to the African Caribbean community.

Meningitis Symptoms and Kidney Disease Risk: What You Need to Know Recent reports of meningitis in Kent have raised concern. Meningococcal disease, a serious form of meningitis, can develop quickly and, in some cases, become life-threatening within hours. While this is important for everyone to be aware of, it is particularly relevant for people living with kidney disease, including chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, or those who have had a kidney transplant. What is meningitis? Meningitis is an infection that affects the lining of the brain and spinal cord. In some cases, the same bacteria can also cause a serious blood infection known as sepsis. It can be spread through close contact, including: Coughing or sneezing Kissing Sharing drinks, utensils, cigarettes, or vapes Early meningitis symptoms can be similar to flu, which means they can sometimes be difficult to recognise in the early stages. Why this matters if you have kidney disease If you are living with kidney disease or have had a transplant, your immune system may not respond in the same way as someone without these conditions. This means: You may be more vulnerable to infections Illness can progress more quickly Recovery may take longer For people who have had a transplant, medications that suppress the immune system are essential, but they can also increase susceptibility to infections. This means the risk of serious illness from infections such as meningitis may be higher. Meningitis symptoms to be aware of Meningitis Symptoms and Kidney Disease Risk: What You Need to Know. Early symptoms can feel similar to flu, but meningitis symptoms can worsen quickly. It is important to seek medical advice urgently if you notice symptoms such as: A high temperature Severe headache Neck stiffness Sensitivity to light Cold hands and feet, limb pain, or pale skin Confusion or difficulty staying awake Symptoms can progress rapidly, so early action is important. How to reduce your risk There are simple but important steps you can take: Avoid sharing drinks, utensils, cigarettes, or vapes Maintain good hygiene, including regular hand-washing Stay aware of how you feel, especially if symptoms develop suddenly Make sure your vaccinations are up to date where appropriate Speak to your healthcare team if you are unsure about your level of risk If you develop symptoms, you can contact NHS 111 for advice.In a medical emergency, or if symptoms worsen rapidly, call 999. Ongoing awareness and prevention Looking after your health involves understanding a range of risks, including infections. For people living with kidney disease, this also includes: Being aware of infections Understanding medications Monitoring risk factors such as high blood pressure High blood pressure remains one of the leading causes of kidney disease. Some medications and illnesses can also affect blood pressure, placing additional strain on the kidneys. Regular health checks and staying informed can play an important role in protecting long-term health. Further information This page will be updated as more information becomes available. For general health advice or concerns, speak to your GP or healthcare team. If you develop symptoms, you can contact NHS 111 for advice. In a medical emergency, or if symptoms worsen rapidly, call 999.

The African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise Wins Luton Rising Community Business of the Year - Silver Award at the SME Business Awards, hosted by the London Chamber of Commerce We are proud to share that the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise® (ACKEE) has received the Luton Rising Community Business of the Year - Silver Award at the SME Business Awards, hosted by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Founded in 2024 by our Founder and Director, Candice McKenzie whilst she was living on dialysis and awaiting a kidney transplant, ACKEE was established to address disparities in kidney health within African Caribbean communities. Kidney health education, advocacy and patient support sit at the core of our work. We support individuals throughout the renal journey, from diagnosis to kidney failure, dialysis, transplantation and life after transplant, whilst also promoting prevention and informed conversations around organ donation. We are deeply grateful to Luton Rising , London Chamber of Commerce and Industry  and SME Business Awards  for this recognition. We are looking forward to many more years of delivering kidney health education, advocacy and support. We remain focused on expanding our reach, deepening our partnerships and continuing to drive meaningful change in kidney health outcomes. How you can support ACKEE: Share  – Spread this blog and ACKEE’s work to raise awareness about kidney health and medication access. Donate  – ACKEE’s work is only possible thanks to supporters like you. Kidney disease disproportionately affects the African Caribbean community, and many still lack access to information and support. Make a donation today . Your generous support helps ACKEE provide education and resources to the African Caribbean community

Urgent Recall of Ramipril Blood Pressure Tablets Used by Patients With Kidney Disease in the UK The African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise ® (ACKEE) has learned that there has been an urgent recall of Ramipril Blood Pressure Tablets used by patients with kidney disease in the UK Health officials have issued a recall of a batch of Ramipril 5 mg capsules after reports that the wrong tablets were placed inside some packs. Ramipril is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure and help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Why this matters for kidney health High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease. Medicines such as Ramipril are often prescribed to help control blood pressure and protect the kidneys from long-term damage. Ensuring you are taking the correct medication is therefore important for both heart and kidney health. Key points A batch of Ramipril 5 mg capsules has been recalled after a packaging error. Some packs labelled Ramipril were found to contain Amlodipine tablets instead. The issue was discovered after a complaint from a patient. Both medicines treat high blood pressure but work in different ways. The affected batch number is GR164099. What patients should do Check the batch number on your medication packaging. Ensure the tablets inside match the name on the box. If you believe your medication is affected, return it to your pharmacist. Do not stop taking prescribed medication without speaking to a healthcare professional. If you are concerned If you take medication for high blood pressure and think your pack may be affected, speak to your GP or pharmacist for advice. What action can you take today? A – Ask your pharmacist or GP If you take Ramipril or another blood pressure medicine, check with your pharmacist or GP if you are unsure whether your medication is affected by the recall. C – Check your medication packaging Look at the name of the medicine and the batch number on the box and blister pack. If anything does not match, return it to your pharmacy and seek advice. K – Know your blood pressure numbers High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. Monitor your blood pressure regularly and follow the treatment plan agreed with your healthcare professional. E – Ensure you take the correct medication Do not stop taking prescribed medication suddenly. If your medication is recalled or unavailable, your pharmacist or GP can advise on safe alternatives. E – Educate yourself and others Stay informed about medicine safety and kidney health. Share reliable information with family and friends so they know what to do if a medication recall affects them. How can you help ACKEE? Share  – Spread this blog and ACKEE’s work. Start conversations about organ donation at home, work, faith groups, or in your community. Donate  – ACKEE’s work is only possible thanks to supporters like you. Kidney disease disproportionately affects the Black African Caribbean community, and many still lack access to information and support. Make a donation today to help educate, empower, and improve outcomes. Your support makes a real difference.

Free blood pressure checks are now available at more than 350 Tesco pharmacies across the United Kingdom, as part of their partnership with the British Heart Foundation. Up to five million adults in the United Kingdom may be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure. Most people do not know they have it because symptoms are not obvious. Although rare, it can sometimes cause blurred vision, headaches or nosebleeds. This is why it is so important to get your blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney disease and a major risk factor for stroke. Hypertension is more common and often more severe in Black communities. When left untreated, it can quietly damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys for years before symptoms appear. Over time, this damage can reduce the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood, leading to chronic kidney disease and, in some cases, kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant. Regular checks are a simple but powerful step towards prevention. Tesco pharmacy teams, in partnership with the British Heart Foundation, are offering free ten minute blood pressure checks in private consultation rooms, with no appointment required although customers can also pre book if they prefer. This is a free NHS service for eligible patients. Pharmacists will explain the readings and, if a raised result is detected, advise on next steps, which may include twenty four hour monitoring or a referral to a GP. Checking your blood pressure takes just a few minutes, but it could protect your health for years to come. If you are planning a visit to Tesco, consider adding a blood pressure check to your shopping list. It is free, quick, and could help detect a problem before it causes lasting damage. Knowing your numbers matters. If your blood pressure is raised, early action can reduce the risk of stroke and chronic kidney disease. If you are not able to visit a Tesco pharmacy, you may wish to consider monitoring your blood pressure at home. Home monitoring can help you understand your readings over time and provide useful information for your GP. The Kinetik Wellbeing Blood Pressure Monitor * is widely used within NHS settings and was recognised as a top performer in independent testing by Which? in December 2025. If you are considering purchasing a home monitor, this is one option to explore. Whether you choose a pharmacy check or home monitoring, the most important step is knowing your numbers. * We are not affiliated with or paid by Tesco for this article. We may receive a small commission if you purchase through the home monitor link above. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support our community education work . How you can support ACKEE: Share  – Spread this blog and ACKEE’s work to raise awareness about kidney health and medication access. Donate  – ACKEE’s work is only possible thanks to supporters like you. Kidney disease disproportionately affects the African Caribbean community, and many still lack access to information and support. Make a donation today . Your generous support helps ACKEE provide education and resources to the African Caribbean community

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, NICE, has now published final guidance introducing major changes to Type 2 diabetes treatment in England. These updated recommendations place stronger emphasis on protecting long term heart and kidney health, and not just on lowering blood glucose levels. For organisations focused on preventing kidney disease and promoting kidney health, this is a significant development. What has changed? NICE now recommends earlier use of SGLT-2 inhibitors for many people living with Type 2 diabetes. In some cases, these medicines may be offered alongside Metformin , a commonly prescribed first line treatment for Type 2 diabetes, rather than being introduced later in the treatment pathway. Although originally used to manage blood glucose, strong clinical evidence shows that SGLT-2 inhibitors can also: Slow the progression of chronic kidney disease Reduce the risk of heart failure Lower the risk of serious cardiovascular events This means that earlier use may provide earlier protection. Why this matters for kidney health Type 2 diabetes remains one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease in the United Kingdom. Kidney damage often develops gradually and without symptoms. Many people are unaware there is a problem until their kidney function has already declined significantly. Access to medicines that protect kidney function at an earlier stage could: Slow down kidney decline Reduce the number of people progressing to dialysis Lower the need for kidney transplantation Improve long term quality of life This change in guidance is therefore relevant not only to diabetes care, but also to kidney disease prevention. What this means for patients If you are living with Type 2 diabetes, or supporting someone who is, you may wish to speak with your GP or diabetes team about: Whether SGLT-2 inhibitors are suitable for you Your most recent kidney function results How often your kidney function is being monitored Treatment decisions are always individual and depend on personal circumstances. However, the updated guidance broadens access to medicines that have proven kidney benefits. Equity and access still matter When the proposed changes were first announced, we raised important questions about equitable access, particularly for Black communities who are disproportionately affected by kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes. NICE’s earlier analysis highlighted that SGLT-2 inhibitors were under prescribed to Black patients, women, and older people. Given that people of African and Caribbean heritage are up to five times more likely to develop kidney disease, ensuring fair access to protective treatment is essential. As this guidance moves from announcement to implementation, those concerns remain relevant. Read our earlier commentary, including the questions we raised about prescribing inequalities and community engagement. From guidance to impact This updated guidance has the potential to reduce heart attacks, slow kidney decline, and prevent many people from progressing to kidney failure. But guidance alone does not change outcomes. Access, awareness, and fair implementation will determine who benefits. Communities already at higher risk of kidney disease must not be overlooked as these changes are rolled out. Here at the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise ® (ACKEE) , we welcome this shift in Type 2 diabetes care. Earlier kidney protection is a positive step. However, we continue to call on NICE, the NHS, and wider partners to work directly with communities most affected, ensuring that eligibility translates into actual access. Progress only matters if it benefits us all. How you can support ACKEE: Share  – Spread this blog and ACKEE’s work to raise awareness about kidney health and medication access. Donate  – ACKEE’s work is only possible thanks to supporters like you. Kidney disease disproportionately affects the African Caribbean community, and many still lack access to information and support. Make a donation today . Your generous support helps ACKEE provide education and resources to the African Caribbean community

In September 2025, our Founder and Director, Candice McKenzie, received a life saving kidney transplant. That transplant was only possible because someone made the decision to become an organ donor. Candice recently appeared on ITV News Anglia alongside Professor Gurch Randhawa and Fatima Begum to discuss an issue that continues to affect Black and minority ethnic communities across the United Kingdom: the urgent need for more Black organ donors in the UK, particularly kidney donors. Black patients in the UK are disproportionately represented on transplant waiting lists and often experience longer waiting times due to the shortage of suitably matched donors. Increasing awareness and encouraging informed conversations about Black organ donors in the UK is a vital part of addressing this inequality. We hope this video will inspire you to consider the importance of organ donation, reflect on how informed health commitments can save lives, and share the work of ACKEE within your own networks. What action can you take today? A – Take Action and assess your health Have a full blood test once a year to check how your body is performing. Avoid being in a position to need a kidney transplant – take action today. C – Check for warning signs Look out for tiredness, cloudy or bloody urine, sudden hair loss, or high blood pressure. K – Keep active Exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and limit alcohol. E – Eat well Eat fresh fruit and vegetables, drink water, reduce salt, and limit processed foods. E – Educate yourself and others Learn about kidney health and organ donation: Follow @wearetheACKEE on all social platforms Visit www.ackee.org.uk  to confirm your organ donation decision (takes just 2 minutes) How can you help ACKEE? Share  – Spread this blog and ACKEE’s work. Start conversations about organ donation at home, work, faith groups, or in your community. Donate  – ACKEE’s work is only possible thanks to supporters like you. Kidney disease disproportionately affects the African Caribbean community, and many still lack access to information and support. Make a donation today . Your generous support helps ACKEE provide education and resources to the African Caribbean community

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) published the Annual Report on Ethnicity Differences in Organ Donation and Transplantation for 2024 to 2025  on the 27 November 2025. This report follows the Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Activity Report 2024 to 2025 , published in July 2025, which showed that the UK kidney transplant waiting list has reached a record high. Organ donation among people from ethnic minority backgrounds increased last year, but the number of people from these communities' receiving transplants fell slightly. - NHSBT Organ Donation Press release So if ethnic minority organ donations increase despite a drop in the number of transplants - why are black patients still waiting longer for a kidney transplant than white patients? At the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise™ (ACKEE) we asked a set of questions in our blog “so what does this mean for Black patients?” in July 2025, in the hope that the Annual Report on Ethnicity Differences in Organ Donation and Transplantation for 2024/2025 will provide answers. Here are some of the questions that we asked, and what the Annual Report on Ethnicity Differences in Organ Donation and Transplantation for 2024 to 2025 told us Q. How many Black patients are currently on the kidney transplant waiting list? A. 1,221 Q. What percentage of people on the kidney transplant waiting list are Black? A. Twelve percent (12%). Q. On average, how long does a Black patient wait for a kidney transplant? A. Five hundred and sixty days (560 days). Q. On average, how long does a White patient wait for a kidney transplant? A. Four hundred and sixty three days (463 days). Q. How many deceased kidney donors were Black in the latest reporting period? A. Twenty four (24). Q. What percentage of deceased kidney donors were Black? A. Two percent (2%). Q. How many Black patients received a decased kidney transplant in 2024 to 2025? A. England: two hundred and eighty one (281), Wales: one (1), Scotland: eight (8), Northern Ireland: one (1) Q. How many living kidney donors were Black? A. Over a five year period between 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2025, total of one hundred and six (106). Altruistic: two (2), paired donation, thirteen (13), related or unrelated: ninety one (91) Kidney donor and transplant statistics Information taken from the Annual Report on Ethnicity Differences in Organ Donation and Transplantation for 2024 to 2025 Measure Black White Asian Other Source Number on waiting list 1221 6536 1951 304 Page 43 Percentage of waiting list 12% 65% 19% 3% Page 43 Median waiting time 560 463 592 503 Page 33 Deceased kidney donors 24 1217 49 13 Page 43 Deceased kidney donor transplants England 281 Wales 1 Scotland 8 Northern Ireland 1 England 1079 Wales 80 Scotland 114 Northern Ireland 27 England 442 Wales 9 Scotland 9 Northern Ireland 0 England 61 Wales 2 Scotland 2 Northern Ireland 0 Page 40 Living kidney donors (Over a five year period between 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2025) 106 3458 301 105 Page 45 Living Kidney donor transplants in the UK (Over a five year period between 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2025) Altruistic - 2 Paired - 13 Unrelated - 91 Altruistic - 281 Paired - 634 Unrelated - 2543 Altruistic - 5 Paired - 35 Unrelated - 261 Altruistic - 2 Paired - 12 Unrelated - 91 Page 46 The NHSBT Annual Report on Ethnicity Differences in Organ Donation and Transplantation for 2024 to 2025 clearly shows that Black patients wait longer than White patients for a kidney transplant. The median wait for a Black patient is five hundred and sixty days (560 days)  compared with four hundred and sixty three days (463 days)  for a White patient. Candice McKenzie, founder & director at the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise said: “At the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise™ (ACKEE), we know from speaking to our members about their lived experience that the waiting time for a kidney transplant can be even higher than reported. Using myself as an example, 1,249 days (almost three and a half years) for my own kidney transplant”. Black patients represent twelve percent (12%) of the kidney transplant waiting list, which is 1,221 people out of 10,012 (page 43, table 4.10 Kidney statistics (waiting list as at 31 March), 1 April 2020 - 31 March 2025). Yet Black people make up only two percent (2%) of deceased kidney donors in the year 2024 - 2025. This gap matters because the chances of a suitable match are often higher when the donor and recipient share the same ethnicity. It is also known that that people of Black African Caribbean heritage are five times more likely to develop chronic kidney disease (CKD) than other groups. That elevated risk is linked to conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lupus, poorly controlled diabetes and a high sodium diet. The consequence for our community more time living with the burden of a chronic illness like CKD which if develops into kidney failure, will mean time on dialysis. The report shows that across five years there were only 106  Black living kidney donors - an average of just 21 donors  per year. Most Black African Caribbean people would accept a kidney if they needed one, yet fewer register to donate. How would you feel if you found yourself in need and a kidney was not available for you? What action can you take today? A – Take Action and assess your healthHave a full blood test once a year to check how your body is performing. Avoid being in a position to need a kidney transplant, take action today. C – Check for warning signs. Tiredness, cloudy or bloody urine, sudden hair loss, high blood pressure. K – Keep active - Exercise regularly, avoid smoking and limit alcohol. E – Eat well - Fresh fruit and vegetables, drink water, reduce salt and limit processed foods. E – Educate yourself and others - Learn about kidney health and organ donation via our social media @wearetheACKEE on all platforms and our website www.ackee.org.uk  where you can use the link on our site to confirm your organ donation decision.  It is a simple action which only takes two minutes. ​ How can you help ACKEE? Share this blog and the work of the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise™ (ACKEE) to help inform and educate others, start a conversation about donation in your home, workplace, faith group, and community. Also find us on social media @wearetheackee  on all platforms Donate - What we do at the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise ™ (ACKEE) is only possible because of the generosity of people like you. Kidney disease continues to affect the Black African Caribbean community at a much higher rate than any other group, and many people still do not receive the information, support or early intervention they need. Please make a donation today and help us continue to educate, empower and improve outcomes for our community. Your support can make a life-changing difference.

Original article courtesy of Jane Kirby, Press Association Health Editor UK pharmacies are experiencing widespread shortages of aspirin, used to help prevent heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease. Key points: UK pharmacies are experiencing widespread shortages of aspirin, used to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. The Government added aspirin to its export ban list  to protect domestic supplies. A National Pharmacy Association survey  found that 86% of pharmacies were unable to supply aspirin  in the past week. Low-dose 75mg aspirin  is most affected; pharmacies are rationing supplies and reducing over-the-counter sales. The price of aspirin has risen sharply , from 18p last year to £3.90 this month, while NHS reimbursement remains £2.18 per packet. Manufacturing delays and low reimbursement rates are contributing to shortages. Pharmacy bodies are calling on the Government to reform reimbursement rules  and allow pharmacists more flexibility in supplying alternatives. Impact on people with kidney conditions: “The shortage also affects people with chronic kidney disease, who can be prescribed low‑dose aspirin to help reduce risk of strokes and heart attack.”  — Fiona Loud, policy director at Kidney Care UK If you are concerned about your medication or the impact of these shortages on your health, please speak to your GP or local pharmacist for advice. What action can you take today? A – Ask your pharmacist or GP : If your aspirin prescription is affected, speak to your pharmacist or GP for advice on alternatives. C – Check your supplies : Keep track of your medications, especially if you have heart conditions or chronic kidney disease. K – Keep healthy habits : Maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce risk factors for heart disease and stroke. E – Educate yourself : Learn about safe use of aspirin and other medications. Follow trusted sources like ACKEE for kidney health information. E – Engage with your community : Share important health updates and encourage friends and family to speak to healthcare professionals if they are affected. How you can support ACKEE: Share  – Spread this blog and ACKEE’s work to raise awareness about kidney health and medication access. Donate  – ACKEE’s work is only possible thanks to supporters like you. Kidney disease disproportionately affects the African Caribbean community, and many still lack access to information and support. Make a donation today . Your generous support helps ACKEE provide education and resources to the African Caribbean community

As we mark Organ Donation Week (22 - 28 September), it is important to highlight the impact of kidney failure and the transformative potential of kidney transplants. Kidney disease can develop quietly and progress rapidly, often without obvious symptoms until kidney function is significantly reduced. Many people are often diagnosed only after experiencing symptoms such as extreme fatigue, foamy or cloudy urine, weight loss or poor appetite, shortness of breath or swollen ankles, feet or hands. Kidney failure is often described as an invisible illness because, on the surface, a person may appear well. However, it is associated with a wide range of health complications, including anaemia, severe fatigue, muscle cramps, high blood pressure, and increased susceptibility to infections. The physical and logistical demands of dialysis can also affect every aspect of a patient’s life, from career opportunities to family responsibilities and social activities. At the time of writing this blog, at the start of Organ Donation Week, almost 7,000 people in the United Kingdom are waiting for a kidney transplant. A kidney transplant is not a cure for kidney disease; it is another form of treatment, but it's a treatment that can significantly improve the quality of life for those who receive one. For those whose kidney function declines to the point of kidney failure, dialysis becomes a life sustaining treatment if they have not found a living donor. This would be either peritoneal dialysis or haemodialysis and both styles of treatment requires careful management of fluid intake, nutrition, and medications. The dialysis treatment schedule can be demanding - depending on the style of dialysis it could be multiple sessions a week or multiple sessions a day. Although dialysis is a vital treatment that keeps patients alive while they wait for a kidney transplant, it also places heavy restrictions on their everyday living. Haemodialysis sessions can typically last around three to four hours, three times a week, and peritoneal dialysis could be up to 4 fluid exchanges a during the day, or 8 - 10 hours on an overnight session. Dialysis ties patients to a strict routine and makes it difficult to travel, work, or enjoy the freedom that many others might take for granted. A kidney transplant removes the need for regular dialysis, freeing patients from the machine and allowing them to regain more control over their day-to-day lives. It offers the chance to enjoy greater flexibility, spontaneity, and the ability to make plans without constantly scheduling treatment. Many recipients of a transplant also experience renewed energy to focus on their careers, passions, and new opportunities. Beyond this, kidney transplantation can restore the ability to be fully present with loved ones, to take on the responsibilities of raising children, or to provide care for family members. For children and young adults, it can mean keeping up with education, joining in with friends, and looking forward to a future that illness had placed on hold. It may also mean the joy of spending precious time with grandchildren or simply being able to enjoy the everyday moments that make life meaningful. As kidney failure affects people of every age, the gift of a transplant can transform lives across generations. However, a kidney transplant is not without challenges. It is another form of treatment that requires lifelong care, including taking immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection of the donated organ. These medications carry risks, such as increased susceptibility to infections. Even so, the benefits of a transplant often include fewer restrictions and a level of freedom and normality that dialysis cannot provide. A kidney donation has the power not only to extend life but also to transform it by vastly improving quality of life. By registering as a deceased organ donor, you have the potential to save lives and bring hope to thousands of people waiting for a second chance. Your decision could mean a child returning to school, a parent being there for their family, or a grandparent enjoying precious time with their grandchildren. Will you consider signing up today and making the gift of life possible for someone in need when you pass away? It takes just two minutes to register your organ donation decision: https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/register-your-decision/donate/ ​ How can you help? Share this blog and the work of the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise™ (ACKEE) to help inform and educate others, start a conversation about donation in your home, workplace, faith group, and community. Also find us on social media @wearetheackee  on all platforms Join the National Health Service Organ Donor Register  and tell your family your decision.

“Millions of people are set to benefit from earlier access to newer type 2 diabetes treatments – the biggest shake-up in care for a decade – as part of NICE’s commitment to re-evaluate priority clinical pathways described in the 10-Year Health Plan for the NHS” ( National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) , 20 August 2025) This announcement from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) marks a major shake-up in type 2 diabetes care, and it brings real hope for kidney health as well as for preventing heart attacks and strokes. For our African and Caribbean communities, this is important news. We know that people of African and Caribbean heritage are up to five times more likely to develop kidney disease than other groups, with type 2 diabetes being one of the leading causes. So, while this guidance is a big step forward, it is vital to ask: who will actually benefit from these life-saving medicines? Why were Black people under-prescribed in the first place? NICE’s own analysis highlights that SGLT-2 inhibitors were under-prescribed  to Black patients, women, and older people. This is not a small oversight. Black people in the United Kingdom are five times more likely to develop kidney disease than other groups, and one of the leading causes is type 2 diabetes. Given this risk, why has there been a delay in ensuring fair access to treatments that can prevent kidney failure? How many Black people are represented in the data? NICE reviewed 590,000 patient records to reach these conclusions. But how many of those records represented Black patients? We would like to know this, because without knowing, how can we be confident that the data reflects the true scale of inequality in prescribing practices? Access: who will actually get these medicines? The new guidance suggests that people should discuss their options with their GP. But what if patients do not see this announcement, or if they are not aware that they can ask for a review? Access cannot rely solely on individuals knowing the system, or seeing a press release. NICE and the NHS need to work directly with Black-led community organisations, faith groups, and patient education networks to ensure the message is heard and acted on. Otherwise, the risk is that the same communities who were under-prescribed in the past will continue to be left behind. Other questions we should be asking Who is NICE partnering with to ensure equitable access for under-represented groups, particularly Black communities? Will there be a national campaign to raise awareness among patients about these new treatment options? How will GPs be supported (and held accountable) to ensure that prescribing inequalities do not continue? How will NICE measure success – will they publish data showing changes in prescribing patterns by ethnicity? What role can Black-led health organisations and patient voices play in shaping how this guidance is rolled out? Moving from policy to real change This guidance could save thousands of lives and prevent many cases of kidney disease. But unless the system actively addresses the barriers to access that Black people face – from lack of awareness to systemic biases in prescribing – the benefits will not be felt equally. Here at the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise, we welcome this major shake up in type 2 diabetes care, as hopefully it will translate into better kidney health, meaning fewer cases of kidney disease and ultimately kidney failure. But we also call on NICE, the NHS, and all partners to work with our communities to ensure that everyone who could benefit from these life saving treatments actually receives them. Because good news is only good if it reaches those who need it most.

On 17 July 2025, NHS Blood and Transplant released the Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Activity Report 2024/2025. It shows that the NHS kidney transplant list reaches a record high - so what does that mean for black patients? Here at the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise™ (ACKEE), we spent some time analysing the data: At a Glance: Kidney Activity 2024/2025 Active waiting list   6939  New kidney only registrations   4669  Deceased kidney donors   1361   Transplants from deceased donors  2 337 (71 % of all kidney transplants) Living kidney donors  964 Living-donor transplants     964 (29 % of all kidney transplants) The latest data on kidney transplantation for the year 2024/2025 provides valuable insight into the current state of kidney donation and transplant activity. The published report states that there are 6939 individuals on the active waiting list for a kidney transplant, highlighting the ongoing demand for donor organs. During this period, there have been 4669 new registrations specifically for kidney-only transplants, reflecting the number of patients newly identified as candidates for this life-saving procedure. Regarding donors, there were 1361 deceased kidney donors whose organs have contributed to saving lives. From these deceased donors, a total of 2337 kidney transplants were performed, accounting for 71 per cent of all kidney transplants carried out in this timeframe. This demonstrates the significant role that deceased donors play in addressing the organ shortage—something that we recognise here at ACKEE, and one of the key reasons our community interest company was founded. Living kidney donors also continue to make a vital contribution. In this period, there were 964 living donors who provided kidneys, which led to exactly 964 living-donor kidney transplants—representing 29 per cent of all kidney transplants during the year. It is important to note that in 2024–25, the number of living kidney donors was equal to the number of living-donor transplants. However, this is not always the case. For example, altruistic donors may start paired exchange chains that result in more transplants than donors, or occasionally, a planned donation may not proceed due to medical factors. Living donation offers an important alternative that can reduce waiting times and improve transplant outcomes for recipients. Together, these figures underscore the critical importance of both deceased and living donors in meeting the needs of patients requiring kidney transplants. The balance between these two sources of kidneys is essential for improving patient survival and quality of life. However, while these numbers offer a national overview, they do not tell the full story for every community. Behind the figures lie stark disparities, particularly for people from Black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, where inequalities in access, donation rates, and outcomes persist, as highlighted in the NHS Blood and Transplant: Annual Report on Ethnicity Differences in Organ Donation and Transplantation  for 2022/2023 and also in a more recent report by Dr Alice James which highlighted that black children face inequalities in transplant treatment. At the time of writing this blog, the Ethnicity Differences Report for 2024/2025 has not yet been published. We have reached out to NHS Blood and Transplant to ask when the report will be available, and we were told by a senior communications officer that “we do not have a confirmed date at the moment, but we are looking at November”. At ACKEE, we believe it is crucial to look beyond the headline statistics and ask: As NHS kidney transplant list reaches a record high, who is really waiting, who is really donating, and who is really benefitting? ❓ Questions We Hope the Upcoming Report Will Answer We hope that the forthcoming Ethnicity Differences Report will provide answers to the following questions: 🧾 Access and Waiting List How many Black patients are currently on the kidney transplant waiting list? What percentage of people on the kidney transplant waiting list are Black? On average, how long does a White patient wait for a kidney transplant? On average, how long does a Black patient wait for a kidney transplant? What is the average time from registration to transplant for Black patients compared to White patients? 🏥 Donation Activity How many kidney donors were Black in the latest reporting period? How many living kidney donors were Black? How many deceased kidney donors were Black? What percentage of living kidney donors were Black? What percentage of deceased kidney donors were Black? What proportion of Black patients receive kidneys from donors of the same ethnicity, and how does this impact outcomes? Are there differences in consent rates for organ donation among Black communities? 💉 Transplant Outcomes How many Black patients received a kidney transplant in 2024/25? What are the transplant outcomes (for example, graft survival rates) for Black patients compared to White patients? 📊 Health Disparities and Risk What percentage of the United Kingdom population is affected by chronic kidney disease? How many times more likely are people from Black communities to develop chronic kidney disease compared to White individuals? How successful have NHS campaigns been in increasing donation awareness and registration among Black and other ethnic minority communities? 💭 Closing Thoughts At ACKEE, we believe that everyone should have a fair chance when it comes to kidney health and transplants. The numbers in this report are important, but they do not show the full picture for Black communities. We hope the upcoming Ethnicity Differences Report will give us more answers and help bring about real change. In the meantime, we will keep asking questions, raising awareness, and supporting people affected by kidney disease. Every person matters, and every transplant can change a life. ​ How can you help? Share this blog and the work of the African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise™ (ACKEE) to help inform and educate others, start a conversation about donation in your home, workplace, faith group, and community. Also find us on social media @wearetheackee  on all platforms Join the National Health Service Organ Donor Register  and tell your family your decision.