ISN-GKHA Data Highlights Progress and Challenges in Global Kidney Care Delivery: BMJ Publication
The BMJ has published the paper, “Progress of Nations in the Organisation of, and Structures for, Kidney Care Delivery Between 2019 and 2023: Cross-Sectional Survey in 148 Countries“ by Okpechi et al.
Using data from the ISN Global Kidney Health Atlas (GKHA) 2019 and 2023 reports, the study analyzed changes in the availability of kidney replacement therapies (KRT), access to these services, health financing, workforce, registries, and policies for kidney care in 148 countries across different regions and income levels.
Notable findings include increased public funding for hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation. Access to hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis improved globally, while access to kidney transplantation declined slightly. The availability of nephrologists also increased. However, barriers such as geographic, workforce, and political challenges persisted and were reported by more countries in 2023 than in 2019.
The paper emphasizes the need for targeted strategies to preserve and expand access to kidney transplantation services, especially in regions where access is decreasing.
Find out more about both editions of the ISN-GKHA here.
