Kidney disease is now recognized within global health policy, marking a significant shift in how it is prioritized worldwide.
Key developments in 2025 at the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations (UN), notably the adoption of a WHO resolution on kidney health and a UN Political Declaration on NCDs and mental health, created a mandate for Member States to improve prevention, early detection, and access to kidney care.
The ISN works with partners, policymakers, and the global kidney community to translate this momentum into meaningful, country-level impact.
A turning point for kidney health
These milestones embed kidney disease within global health policy and create a clear mandate for countries to take action.
WHO kidney health resolution
In May 2025, the World Health Assembly adopted the first-ever WHO resolution on kidney health.
- Recognizes kidney disease within the global noncommunicable diseases (NCD) agenda
- Emphasizes prevention, early detection, and equitable access to kidney care
- Aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3.4 and 3.8
This milestone was supported by a global advocacy effort, including an open letter endorsed by partners worldwide.
UN political declaration on NCDs and mental health
In December 2025, kidney health was included for the first time in a UN political declaration on NCDs and mental health.
- Recognizes kidney disease as a major NCD
- Highlights the need for stronger primary health care approaches
- Reinforces the link between kidney disease, diabetes, and broader NCD prevention
ISN and partners also advocated for the inclusion of kidney health in the declaration ahead of its adoption.
Turning commitments into action
Global recognition is only the first step. The priority now is implementation.
By integrating kidney health into national health strategies, countries will be able to strengthen prevention, improve early diagnosis, and expand access to treatment within broader NCD and primary care systems.
Delivering on these commitments requires:
- Integration of kidney care into primary health care
- Stronger prevention and early detection strategies
- Coordinated action across NCDs, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease
- Sustainable investment and health system strengthening
ISN supports this by working with Member States, partners, and the global kidney community to ensure kidney disease is effectively embedded within national and global health responses. This work is aligned with the ISN Manifesto, which outlines priorities for advancing kidney health globally, and informed by international consensus, including the ASN–ERA–ISN joint statement on chronic kidney disease and the global public health agenda.
Looking ahead, ISN will convene a Global Implementation Summit at WCN’27, providing a platform to assess progress, share best practices, and accelerate coordinated action worldwide.
Contact the ISN Advocacy team
Get in touch with us for inquiries, collaborations, or support at advocacy@theisn.org.
Discover our work with the WHO
The ISN is recognized as a non-state actor in official relations with the WHO, participating in their World Health Assembly and Executive Board meetings.
Discover our work with the UN
Since 2021, the ISN has Special Consultative Status with the United Nations’ (UN) Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
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