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.