New Policy Brief Calls on Policymakers Worldwide to Prioritise Kidney Health Screenings, Treatment.
The growing threat of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is having global ramifications for the world’s health, workforce and economy. And its prevalence—and the deaths it causes—are on the rise, due to an aging population and an increase of risk factors.
According to a new policy brief released today by the Global Patient Alliance for Kidney Health, the costly and devastating impacts of CKD should encourage lawmakers to prioritise screenings and treatment for a more vulnerable population. Written by a global panel of leading nephrologists with decades of experience, this brief reflects the first-hand knowledge and insights from experts in the field. Calling CKD a “gathering global storm” affecting 10% of the world’s population, the Medical Advisory Council outlines policy solutions to combat CKD and reduce its burden.
“Nearly 80% of people with chronic kidney disease in underdeveloped countries are unaware that they have the disease,” said Dr. Ming-Hui Zhao, coauthor and member of the Medical Advisory Council.
Key takeaways from the brief include:
- Chronic kidney disease poses a growing threat, with dire consequences for individual patients and caregivers, economics, global health, and the environment.
- Treatments are available, but they are most effective at reducing or preventing the devastating and costly consequences if begun before the disease reaches an advanced stage.
- Most patients are unaware they have chronic kidney disease, so screening strategies are essential.
- Policymakers worldwide have an opportunity to reduce the burden of chronic kidney disease by ensuring greater access to screenings and early treatment.
“With screening tests and effective treatments available, chronic kidney disease is an addressable problem,” the brief concluded. “But for widespread screening and early treatments to be implemented worldwide, chronic kidney disease must first be deemed a global priority.”
Read “Screening for Chronic Kidney Disease: Addressing the Gathering Global Storm.”