News

ISN President Marcello Tonelli launched the ISN Manifesto at WCN’25. This call to action outlines key advocacy and policy recommendations directed at UN Member States and national, regional and local policymakers.

Read the manifesto here

Why global action is needed

Kidney disease affects over 850 million people globally, with a significant impact on mortality rates. It is expected to be the fifth leading cause of death worldwide by 2050. Kidney disease places an immense burden on individuals, healthcare systems, and economies, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries, where up to 90% of patients who need dialysis cannot afford it, and millions of people die each year because they cannot access appropriate kidney treatment.

Kidney disease also exacerbates other major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In addition, social determinants such as poverty and environmental factors like climate change play a significant role in kidney health disparities. Each 1°C increase in global temperature predicts a 30% increase in kidney disease morbidity due to heat stress and dehydration.

Key actions for UN Member States

To tackle the growing burden of kidney disease, ISN urges policymakers to:

• Keep advocating for better access to kidney care
• Improve primary and secondary prevention of kidney disease and its adverse consequences (including kidney failure) worldwide
• Develop sustainable models of kidney care
• Nurture education and awareness of kidney disease and its major risk factors
• Enhance early detection and treatment of kidney disease, particularly in low-resource settings
• Yield increased investments in research and innovation for optimal kidney care.

A critical opportunity for change

With the Fourth UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs approaching in September 2025, now is the time to take decisive action. By implementing evidence-based policies, UN Member States can accelerate progress toward global NCD targets and WHO Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring a healthier and more equitable future for all.

A call to action for ISN members

“Kidney disease has long been the “neglected of the neglected” NCD, and it’s time for us to change that. Let’s raise our voices and push for equitable access to comprehensive kidney care. Together, we can turn advocacy into action and prevent death and disability for millions of people.” – Marcello Tonelli, ISN president.