Advancing Kidney Health Worldwide: Momentum Builds Ahead of WHA78 and Upcoming Global Milestones
As 2025 unfolds with extraordinary opportunities to elevate kidney health on the global stage, I’m excited to share important developments that reflect the growing strength and scope of our advocacy initiatives. Together, we are shaping a more equitable and effective approach to chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevention, diagnosis, and treatment around the world.
A pivotal moment is approaching in May at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78), where Guatemala’s proposed resolution on kidney health will be brought to a vote. This resolution represents a significant step forward in recognizing CKD as a global health priority. Looking ahead, the September UN High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) offers another vital platform to integrate kidney care into broader NCD strategies. To build on this momentum, the ISN unveiled its Global Kidney Health Manifesto at WCN’25—a call to action that urges governments and stakeholders to commit to improving kidney care for all. We encourage everyone to sign and share the ISN Global Petition to reinforce our collective voice.
In addition, the launch of the ISN-GKHA Interactive Map marks a major milestone in global kidney data transparency. This dynamic tool offers in-depth insights into health system performance across countries and regions, helping policymakers identify service gaps and craft policies aimed at earlier detection, better prevention, and equitable access to life-saving kidney treatments.
We’re also proud to share that Nature Reviews Nephrology will host an engaging webinar, “Kidney Disease in the Public Health Agenda,” on April 28. I’m honored to join this important conversation, which will spotlight the urgent need to place kidney disease at the forefront of the global NCD framework and ensure its inclusion in national health agendas.
Thank you for your continued support of ISN’s global advocacy work. Your involvement strengthens our mission to improve kidney care—everywhere, for everyone.
Warm regards,
Marcello Tonelli
President, International Society of Nephrology