Read EKHA’s new article on armed conflicts and kidney patients

EKHA recently published an article discussing the effects armed conflicts have on kidney patients.

The article highlights the unique challenges armed conflicts present to patients with kidney disease and presents suggestions about how to mitigate these issues.

Conflicts have detrimental impact on the healthcare system as a whole by damaging infrastructure, limiting supply of medication and trained professionals, adding strain to the system and creating disorganization. Of the vulnerable persons affected by the adverse medical conditions during times of conflict, those living with kidney disease or kidney failure deserve special attention because their survival depends on functional infrastructure, access to advanced technology, and trained personnel.

This article provides some suggestions for mitigating dangers presented to kidney patients in armed conflict. Improving the structural quality of buildings, creating emergency plans to allocate material in case of limited resources and providing training on personal safety are all prevention methods that countries can implement before conflicts occur. Management methods that can be implemented after armed conflicts have already begun include coordinating aid from other countries or NGOs for patient transport, medical supplies and first aid providers. Implementing these measures and responses can help save the lives of vulnerable kidney patients in armed conflicts.

Read the full article here.