Since 2018, the ISN has been recognized as a non-state actor (NSA) in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO). As an NSA, the ISN also participates in the WHO’s World Health Assembly and Executive Board meetings.
Current collaboration plan (2024–2026)
The ISN is working with the WHO to strengthen the implementation of several key policies, including the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs, the NCD Strategy 2023–2030, the UN Political Declaration on NCDs, and SDG 3.4.
- 2018–2020: Together with the WHO, the ISN developed The ISN framework for developing dialysis programs in low-resource settings. This document outlines the requirements and operational considerations for establishing or expanding dialysis programs in resource-constrained settings, helping WHO member states develop sustainable strategies for treating patients with kidney failure.
- 2021–2023: The ISN supported WHO’s efforts to build capacity on acute kidney injury (AKI) in low-resource settings by delivering a technical package for AKI.
Side events during the World Health Assembly (WHA)
“Kidney Health Matters: A Policy Imperative for Economic Resilience”
Held during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Intercontinental Hotel, Geneva and online
Co-hosted by Devex and the ISN, this high-level event brought together global health leaders to spotlight the economic and health imperative of kidney care.
With over 60 in-person attendees and 10,500+ virtual participants joining across platforms (Zoom, YouTube, X, LinkedIn, and Facebook), the discussion explored how the newly adopted WHO kidney health resolution can drive progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and strengthen national strategies to prevent and control NCDs.
Highlights from the event:
- Panel 1: Civil society leaders reflected on the resolution’s potential to elevate kidney health within national health priorities.
- Panel 2: Country representatives showcased bold political leadership and shared how they are integrating kidney health into public policy.
This event was supported by AstraZeneca, Novartis and Boehringer Ingelheim.
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 9-10 am CET, at the margins of the World Health Assembly, in-person at the Intercontinental Hotel, Geneva and with live streaming.
“Advancing kidney care for all: Expanding access to lifesaving therapies”
Main focus:
- prevention/early detection of kidney disease, emphasizing the critical role of access to therapies and diagnosis
Speakers:
Valerie Luyckx (ISN), Daniel Gallego (Kidney Patients Federation), Bianca Hemmingsen (WHO), Alison Cox (NCD Alliance), and Anna Stavdal (World Organization of Family Doctors).
| Brussels, June 6, 2024 |
| The International Society of Nephrology (ISN) is pleased to share outcomes from the side event, “Advancing Kidney Care for All: Expanding Access to Lifesaving Therapies,” hosted at the World Health Assembly 77 on May 29 in Geneva. As a non-state actor in relations with the World Health Organization (WHO), the ISN organized this event to emphasize the need to raise kidney disease on the global health agenda. |
| This impactful meeting brought together a diverse group of experts – WHO representatives, policymakers, and people living with kidney diseases – to address the critical issue of global disparities in kidney care. |
| Kidney disease continues to affect approximately 850 million people worldwide(i), often with devastating consequences. It is expected to become the 5th leading cause of death globally by 2040(ii). The expert panel, featuring Dr. Valerie Luyckx (ISN), Daniel Gallego (Kidney Patients Federation), Dr. Bianca Hemmingsen (WHO), Alison Cox (NCD Alliance), and Dr. Anna Stavdal (World Organization of Family Doctors), discussed solutions and strategies to ensure that lifesaving therapies are accessible to all, regardless of geographical or socio-economic barriers. |
| Panelists agreed that early detection and prevention of kidney diseases are the most effective ways to save lives. Achieving this requires ongoing awareness campaigns, the prioritization of kidney disease as a health priority by decision-makers, and the need to include civil society members and individuals with lived experience in the decision-making process. This involvement is vital for ensuring equitable access to lifesaving strategies. |
| During the event, Guatemala’s Health Minister, Mr. Oscar Cordón Cruz, emphasized that kidney health is a critical public health issue in his country, highlighting the significant impact of kidney diseases on the population. Recognizing the urgent need for improved kidney care, he committed to explore, along with the Central America Council of Health Ministers, the possibility of introducing a resolution on kidney diseases to the WHO, recognizing it as a priority non-communicable disease (NCD). “We need to address the medical and legal aspects of kidney transplants. This approach is crucial for effective kidney care, ensuring we create strong policies that enhance access and outcomes for all patients in our region.” |
| The Guatemalan Minister’s commitment to this initiative signals a promising step toward international collaboration. It emphasizes the importance of engaging with the WHO to fulfill the ISN mission to “Advance kidney health globally. Together.” |
| The meeting was organized in collaboration with Devex, with support from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim & Lilly, and Novartis.
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| (i) Francis, A., Harhay, M.N., Ong, A.C.M. et al. Chronic kidney disease and the global public health agenda: an international consensus. Nat Rev Nephrol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41581-024-00820-6 (ii) EKHA, Kidney Manifesto 2024, https://ekha.eu/kidney-manifesto/ |
This event is supported by AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim & Lilly, and Novartis
