EKHA Celebrates World Kidney Day 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) impacts some 850 million people around the globe, and kidney disease currently stands as the 8th leading cause of death worldwide. If CKD is not addressed, projections indicate that it will become the 5th leading cause of death by 2040. On 14 March, the European Kidney Health Alliance (EKHA) joins the international kidney health community to celebrate World Kidney Day. Focusing on the theme of “Kidney Health for All: Advancing equitable access to care and optimal medication practice,” World Kidney Day 2024 centres around the need to advance equitable access to care and optimal medication practice. 

To advance equitable access to kidney care, action needs to be taken in several dimensions: 

• Health Policies: Targeted policies are needed to integrate kidney care into existing health programs, secure funding, and disseminate kidney health knowledge. Ensuring equitable access to disease screening, early diagnosis tools, and sustainable treatment is vital for preventing CKD or its progression. 
• Healthcare Delivery: Suboptimal kidney care results from limited policy focus, inadequate education, resource scarcity, and limited access to affordable medication. Successful strategies require comprehensive, patient-centred, and locally oriented approaches to identify and address barriers to high-quality kidney care. 
• Healthcare Professionals: Addressing the shortage of primary care and kidney specialists involves enhancing training, minimizing healthcare provider loss, and building capacity among healthcare workers. Education on appropriate CKD screening and adherence to guidelines are crucial. Embracing scientific innovation, utilizing treatment tools, and fostering effective communication and empathy among professionals greatly impact patient well-being. 
• Empowering Patients and Communities: Globally, patients face barriers to accessing care and medication due to high costs and misinformation, affecting health behaviours and adherence. Raising awareness about CKD risk factors, enhancing health literacy, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and encouraging long-term adherence to treatment strategies can yield significant benefits. Involving patients in advocacy organizations and local communities empowers them to make informed decisions, improving health outcomes. 

For more information about World Kidney Day 2024, please visit worldkidneyday.org.