A Devex event in partnership with International Society of Nephrology

From neglected NCD to priority:
Accelerating action on kidney disease

May 24, 2023 | 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. CET


In Person in Geneva


About the Event


Join us in person in Geneva for an event on the sidelines of WHA 76 where Devex, in partnership with International Society of Nephrology, will shine a spotlight on what’s needed to accelerate action and investment for kidney disease in low- and middle-income countries, as well as the need for more global attention to address the current inequalities of treating and preventing kidney disease.

Globally, more than 5 million people die from lack of access to treatments for kidney disease each year — and it's projected to become the fifth leading cause of death worldwide by 2040. Despite the high burden, kidney disease is slipping further and further down the global health agenda as infectious diseases — including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic — continue to strain health systems and budgets. Tackling kidney disease is key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals — goal three on good health and well-being for all — and a cornerstone for universal health coverage.

The number of people needing dialysis has increased by 40% since 1990, but access to lifesaving treatment remains vastly unequal, with health systems in many low- and middle-income countries unable to keep pace with the dialysis demand. The cost of kidney disease is the largest cause of catastrophic health care expenditure in low- and middle-income countries — and the public health costs continue to rise. Care for advanced kidney disease, including dialysis, is a major contributor to the health care related carbon emissions, and reducing the need for dialysis will contribute to the fight against climate change and SDG 13.

In this event we will:

• Uncover how we can accelerate actions toward investment for kidney disease.
• Bring together key voices to discuss the inequalities around kidney disease treatment and prevention.
• Explore solutions to strengthen health systems and discover how care for kidney disease contributes directly towards the sustainable development goals.

Save your spot to join us in person and be a part of the solution.

Registration for the in person event is now closed. However, we will have registration onsite available for walk-ins the day of the event on a first come, first served basis.

Hosted by:

Devex

Produced in partnership with:

International Society of Nephrology

With support from:

AstraZeneca Novartis

Agenda


​​​​8 a.m. CET

Networking breakfast and registration

9 a.m. CET

Opening remarks

9:03 a.m. CET

Fireside chat - A ‘silent killer’: Chronic kidney disease in context

Speakers:
• Professor Vivek Jha, executive director, The George Institute for Global Health
• Joab Wako, transplant recipient and chair of the ISN’s Patient Liaison Advisory Group

Interviewed by: Allison Blount, Senior Manager, Partnerships at Devex

​​9:18 a.m. CET

Panel - Accelerating action on chronic kidney disease

Speakers:
• Dr. Slim Slama, unit head of NCD Management, World Health Organization
• Helen McGuire, global program leader for noncommunicable diseases, PATH
• Dr. John Amuasi, Co-chair, The Lancet One Health Commission
• Dr. Lia Tadesse Gebremedhin, Minister of health, Ethiopia
• Dr. Md. Titu Miah, Director general, Directorate General of Medical Education, Bangladesh Ministry of Health

Interviewed by: Kate Warren, Executive Vice President at Devex

​​9:48 a.m. CET

Audience Q&A

• Firestarter: Dr Grace Dubois, Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager, NCD Alliance

​​9:58 a.m. CET

Closing remarks

Kate Warren, Executive Vice President at Devex


Speakers:

Dr. John Amuasi

Dr. John Amuasi

Co-chair, The Lancet One Health Commission

Professor Vivek Jha

Professor Vivek Jha

Executive director, George Institute for Global Health India; chair of Global Kidney Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London; conjoint professor of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney; past president (2019-21), International Society of Nephrology

Helen McGuire

Helen McGuire

Global program leader for noncommunicable diseases, PATH

Dr. Lia Tadesse Gebremedhin

Dr. Lia Tadesse Gebremedhin

Minister of health, Ethiopia

Joab Wako

Joab Wako

Chair of ISN’s Patient Liaison Advisory Group

Dr. Slim Slama

Dr. Slim Slama

Unit head, NCD management, World Health Organization

Dr. Md. Titu Miah

Dr. Md. Titu Miah

Director general, Directorate General of Medical Education, Bangladesh Ministry of Health

Dr. Grace Dubois

Dr. Grace Dubois

Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager, NCD Alliance

Interviewed by


Kate Warren

Kate Warren

Executive Vice President & Executive Editor, Devex

Alli Blount

Alli Blount

Senior Manager, Partnerships at Devex