ISN advocacy initiatives to turn global kidney pledges into action As we approach the end of 2025, I am proud to reflect on what has been a truly remarkable year for the global kidney community. Historic milestones marked the year, elevating kidney health on the world stage, particularly with the adoption of the first-ever WHO...
"Kidney disease is straightforward to detect and straightforward to treat in primary care, if you provide people with the right tools and the right support." That was the message from ISN President Marcello Tonelli during "Kidney Health Matters: Advancing Commitments into Action," a high-level event co-hosted by the ISN and Devex on the sidelines...
At the fourth high-level meeting of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the promotion of mental health and wellbeing, governments from around the world reaffirmed their shared commitment to tackling the world’s leading causes of death and disability. Although there has...
The annual World Kidney Day (WKD) campaign for 2026 officially launched today, September 15. This year-long campaign will culminate in a global day of activities on Thursday March 12, 2026. The 2026 campaign carries the powerful message, “Kidney health for all: Caring for people, protecting the planet,” highlighting the vital link between kidney care and...
Kidney International® A nationwide register-based cohort study examined the association between preeclampsia in mothers and the risk of kidney disease in their offspring A large cohort study of over 2.2 million births has found that children born at term to mothers with preeclampsia face a higher risk of developing kidney disease later in life. The study revealed...
The ISN continues to advocate for kidney health to be prioritized globally and comprehensively integrated into the broader noncommunicable disease (NCD) agenda. Read the ISN Manifesto on driving global action On September 25, 2025, world leaders will gather at the United Nations in New York for the Fourth High-Level Meeting (HLM4) on NCDs and mental health....
Launched at a high-level policy forum during the 78th World Health Assembly, a new fact sheet from the ISN spotlights the often-overlooked burden of rare kidney diseases (RKDs) and calls for urgent, coordinated action to improve outcomes for those affected and their families. The fact sheet raises awareness and calls for global commitment to...
Geneva — May 23, 2025 The International Society of Nephrology (ISN) welcomes the adoption of the World Health Organization (WHO) kidney health resolution at the 78th World Health Assembly, a landmark achievement in the global fight against kidney disease. This historic step marks the first time kidney health has been formally prioritized within the WHO noncommunicable diseases...
The ISN strongly supports the upcoming World Health Organization (WHO) resolution, “Reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases through the promotion of kidney health and strengthening prevention and control of kidney disease.” Led by Guatemala, this milestone resolution will be presented for a vote at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), taking place in Geneva from...
A groundbreaking opportunity An unprecedented resolution on kidney health is set for a potential vote at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) this May. Led by Guatemala, sponsored by Thailand, and further backed by several member states, the resolution, "Reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases through the promotion of kidney health and strengthening prevention and control...
The ISN is committed to amplifying the voices of people living with kidney disease through several initiatives, including the work of the ISN Patient Liaison Advisory Group. Another key effort is an ongoing global map of kidney patient organizations designed to help individuals find support and connect with others who share similar experiences. Explore the...
Shaping the future of global kidney health at WHA78 & beyond As an exciting year for global kidney health advocacy continues to unfold, I’d like to highlight several tremendous opportunities to make a lasting impact on kidney care. First, there is considerable momentum surrounding the vote on Guatemala’s kidney health resolution during the World Health...
Today, on World Health Day, we focus on global health challenges, taking the opportunity to raise awareness about kidney health. Join Urmila Anandh, Elliot Tannor, and María José Soler in the X Space “Advancing global kidney health: Building consensus for the WHO resolution” at 3 p.m. CEST today (April 7). Access the ISN X Space...
Nature Reviews Nephrology will host the webinar "Kidney disease in the public health agenda" on April 28. Register for the webinar The webinar will examine the role of kidney disease within the broader noncommunicable disease (NCD) agenda, highlighting its relevance to the 4th UN High-level Meeting on NCDs and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 — to...
With just days until World Kidney Day (WKD) on March 13, now is the time to take action. From small gestures to large initiatives, every effort helps to raise awareness of and improve kidney health. Be inspired to act. Read personal accounts from people living with kidney conditions in the WKD blog series. Read the WKD...
Kidney International® (KI) Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early to Protect Kidney Health The World Kidney Day (WKD) editorial in Kidney International highlights the importance of early kidney disease detection to protect kidney health, slow progression, and reduce cardiovascular risk. Simple tests — serum creatinine and urine albumin — enable early diagnosis, but barriers like funding...
World Kidney Day (WKD) is more than just a date on the calendar — it’s a global call to action to combat the burden of kidney disease. Held annually on the second Thursday of March, WKD raises awareness throughout the year of kidney health, prevention, and equitable access to care. You have the power...
ISN President Marcello Tonelli launched the ISN Manifesto at WCN'25. This call to action outlines key advocacy and policy recommendations directed at UN Member States and national, regional and local policymakers. Read the manifesto here Why global action is needed Kidney disease affects over 850 million people globally, with a significant impact on mortality rates. It is...
The ISN is proud to support the proposed World Health Organization (WHO) resolution "Reducing the Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) through the Promotion of Kidney Health and Strengthening Prevention and Control of Kidney Disease." A global call to action At the 156th WHO Executive Board Meeting (February 3–11, 2025), the ISN will formally present its statement...
2024 Advocacy Milestones & What’s Ahead in 2025 Welcome to Bridging the Gaps, the quarterly update on ISN advocacy efforts to prioritize kidney health worldwide. As we step into 2025, I look forward to building on the ISN's significant contributions to raising awareness of kidney disease in 2024. In May, the ISN organized a side event during...
