Kidney Health Australia was founded in 1968 and was originally named ‘The Australian Kidney Foundation’. The change of name has provided the opportunity to re-position the organisation and clarify our purpose in the mind of the Australian public by clearly reflecting the nature of our business – namely kidney health.

We are a not for profit organization whose focus is to improve kidney health outcomes which lead to substantial improvements to the quality of life for people with kidney and urinary tract diseases, their families and carers, as well as developing initiatives that reduce the incidence of kidney disease in the Australian community.

Kidney Health Australia has given a long term commitment to families and children affected by kidney disease, but the biggest challenge remains for us to reach those two million Australians who do not know they have early kidney damage.

Our Health Programs

All health information, brochures, fact sheets and books that we produce are evidence-based. These resources give precise, up to date information on a wide range of kidney related conditions and treatments. Read more about our Kidney Health Australia Health Services and Programs which we provide every day to the Australian Kidney community.

Advocacy/Consumer Participation - Consumer Advocacy Councils have been established in each state. The National Consumer Council identify and are informed of issues affecting individuals living with kidney and urinary tract disease, their families and carers. See Consumer Participation and You Can Help?

Kidney Health Information Service - 1800 4 KIDNEY (1800 4 543639) our information and referral service.

Kidney Connect - is our umbrella support program for people with kidney disease, kidney donors and recipients, their carers and family members. It consists of the following programs:

• Kidney Care Program - offers trained Kidney Care volunteers and coordinators conduct a Dialysis Support Service, which provides support and companionship to people undergoing haemodialysis treatment in renal units throughout Australia.
• Peer Support Program - supports people living with kidney disease, kidney donors and recipients, their families and carers via TelEconnect. This national telephone and/or email peer support service connects people in need with trained Peer Support Volunteers who have similar experiences.

Camps and Activities Program - Kidney Health Australia's Recreation Camps are organised for Kidney Kids and adults who have kidney disease, are on dialysis, and/or have received a transplant. Kidney Kids Capers is a three day activity program which includes a Family Fun Day are available in NSW and WA . This program is for Kidney Kids and their siblings.

Self-Management Program - This program raises the quality of life for people living with kidney disease, kidney donors and recipients, their carers and family members through the provisions of information and essential skills and support during each phase of the health and wellness pathway.  See our booklets Living with Kidney Failure and Living with Reduced Kidney Function - Self Management

Patient/Carer/Health - Kidney Health Education Forums are held in various states and aim to provide education and support to people living with kidney disease, kidney donors and recipients, their carers and family members; as well as health professionals. 

Organ Donation Awareness - Kidney Health Australia actively encourages Australians to become organ donors but we do not manage organ and tissue donation registration nor the retrieval and transplantation of organs. All enquiries are referred to the Organ Donor Registry  or Hotline 1800 777 203 and see Discover - Decide - Discuss - DonateLife™ an Australian Government Initiative

This program recognises and promotes the work carried out by hundreds of people daily in hospitals and medical clinics to assist over 14,000 Australians remain alive on dialysis and transplantation. Operation Angel also recognises the commitment of family, friends and work colleagues of kidney patients. 

International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF) - Kidney Health Australia has been a proud IFKF Council Member since its creation in 2000 and has done much to help it grow since. We are proud of the work we do for the global kidney community. Our staff maintain its website www.ifkf.net and co-ordinate its unique Inventory of IFKF Member Resources. This is a handy reference point when health professionals need to contact an international kidney foundation or patient group, to access information for patiens who speak English as a second language. Enquiries range from kidney health education resources, relocation information and for travel on dialysis.

World Kidney Day - Each year on the 2nd Thursday in March we support this global World Kidney Day program, which is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of our kidneys, to spread the message that kidney disease is common, harmful and treatable.