Reducing the growing trends in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the Federation is of the highest priority. High salt intake is linked to risk factors for both heart disease and worsening kidney function, including high blood pressure, excess protein in the urine and fluid overload. In fact, the rise in renal disease clients in St. Kitts have become a cause for alarm. Persons living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience reduced kidney function that persists over time. This chronic condition can lead to the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation to survive. Therefore, reducing salt intake may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and preserve kidney function.

Due to the well-established link between excess salt intake and the development of NCDs, Salt Awareness Week was established to:

• • Motivate persons to reduce their salt intake.
  • Raise awareness in the general population and the food service industry of the health issues associated with excess salt use, the role of processed food in salt intake and the health gains to
  • the population of reducing salt in food preparation.
  • Raise awareness and focus on building paths to better kidney care.
  • Create an environment that supports persons living with Kidney Disease.