Brussels, Belgium (February 21, 2012) – January 2012 marks the International Society of Nephrology’s (ISN) acceptance into official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO’s Executive Board admitted ISN during its 130th session. ISN is one of only 182 non- governmental organizations worldwide to currently be in official relations with the WHO, as well as the first and only kidney-related organization to have attained this prestigious status.

ISN President, John Feehally welcomed the announcement, "I am excited that ISN now has official relations with WHO. I am sure this will give ISN new opportunities to make clear the importance of kidney disease to global health, and show how cost-effective changes in healthcare systems can make a real difference to the problems caused by kidney disease worldwide."

Giuseppe Remuzzi, ISN President Elect, is leading ISN’s efforts with the WHO and looking at how this new relationship can assist ISN’s programs. “It is a unique opportunity to raise awareness about kidney disease worldwide especially in emerging countries. The ISN-WHO official relationship will hopefully implement detection and prevention programs, reduce the costs of chronic kidney disease and prevent cardiovascular complications of obesity and diabetes and ultimately improve public health”.

For further information, please contact:
John Feehally, ISN President Tel: +44 116 258 4132
Luca Segantini, ISN Executive Director Tel: +32 2 808 0420
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CLICK HERE to read the full press release.