News

December 16, 2025

The International Society of Nephrology (ISN) welcomes the adoption of the political declaration from the fourth high-level meeting of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the promotion of mental health and well-being, held on September 25, 2025.

The declaration sets out renewed commitments by heads of state and governments to accelerate global action on NCDs and mental health, including measures to strengthen health systems, integrate care, and ensure equitable access to prevention and treatment.

Implications for kidney health

Kidney health is mentioned three times in the document, marking the first time it has been included in a political declaration from a UN high level meeting. The declaration recognizes the burden of chronic kidney disease, calls for its integrated management in primary care, and specifically recognizes the strong links between diabetes and kidney disease. The ISN will continue to build on this momentum globally and nationally to ensure the recognition and integration of kidney care in health policies.

ISN Advocacy Working Group Chair Ifeoma Ulasi stated: “The World Health Organisation recently adopted its first-ever global resolution on kidney health, recognizing kidney disease as a major contributor to global mortality. This landmark decision urges countries to integrate kidney care into national health strategies, improve access to treatment, and promote early detection — a turning point for millions affected worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The political declaration mentions kidney health three times, which is remarkable, and we will continue to advocate for its inclusion in health policies as a priority NCD in alignment with the WHO kidney resolution.”

ISN’s role going forward

The ISN remains committed to leveraging the political declaration in its advocacy efforts. This involves promoting its implementation through national and international initiatives, and strengthening partnerships to ensure that kidney disease prevention, early detection, and treatment remain central to global NCD agendas.

ISN President Marcello Tonelli commented: “The explicit inclusion of kidney health in the political declaration is a historic milestone, reflecting its growing recognition as a global health priority and bringing global commitments at the UN level into alignment with those already adopted by the WHO. The declaration gives us a powerful mandate to translate words into action — ensuring investment, policy change, and better outcomes for people living with kidney disease worldwide.”