Awambeng Renal Care Foundation Marks World Kidney Day With Global Campaign

By Ajong Mbapndah L

“I never thought kidney disease would happen to me… until it did.”

Rene Awambeng is more than a name—he is a visionary, a leader, and now, a fighter for kidney health. Known for his impactful career in finance and philanthropy, Rene never imagined that his life would take a turn that would make him an advocate for a cause so deeply personal.

When he was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), he came face to face with a reality that too many people in Cameroon don’t realise until it’s too late. He saw firsthand the devastating effects of late detection—and he knew something had to change.

That’s why he founded the Awambeng Renal Care Foundation (ARCF) to ensure that no one suffers in silence, unaware of the risks they face. He turned his personal experience into a mission of hope and action, bringing life-saving awareness and support to those who need it most.

For World Kidney Day 2025, Rene continued the fight not just for himself but for thousands at risk in his native Cameroon and across Africa and the globe. He was active on social media sharing his experiences and survival tips. In Cameroon, the Awambeng Renal Care Foundation (ARCF) ran free screenings from March 10th to 15th in Douala.

For the ARCF, World Kidney Day on March 13th was more than a date on the calendar, It was a movement across Cameroon and the world with calls for people to wear green—because kidney health needs to be seen, talked about, and needs action.

Considering the importance of dieting in kidney health, the ARCF worked with Nutritionist Mbiatat Hilaire de Goethe in Douala to shed light on the best and worst foods for your kidneys—simple changes that could protect people in the long run.

On March 14th, Dr. Njonkam Linda, a leading Nephrologist, shared the warning signs too many people miss and what can be done to prevent kidney disease before it’s too late.

The free screenings sponsored by the ARCF were extended to March 15th to give more people a chance to take control before the crisis hit.

In Cameroon, thousands are living with kidney disease without realizing it. Many only discover the problem when their options are limited, and their health is already in crisis. But it doesn’t
have to be this way, the ARCF believes.

“Prevention is better than cure," says Dr. Njonkam Linda. Chronic kidney disease doesn’t strike overnight, it builds up silently over time, but the truth is that many cases can be prevented, and most can be detected early. Through Knowledge, action, and regular check-ups, the ARCF believes that a significant difference can be made.