Every year, a scientific editorial is written for the occasion of World Kidney Day. The papers are researches on scientifically relevant topics that link to the campaign as a scientific basis for the annual theme. Each editorial is written by nephrologists working for the campaign on a voluntary basis.
2022 – Kidney health for all: preparedness for the unexpected in supporting the vulnerable
Li-Li Hsiao, Kavya M. Shah, Adrian Liew, Dina Abdellatif, Alessandro Balducci, Agnes Haris, Latha A. Kumaraswami, Vassilios Liakopoulos, Siu-Fai Lui, Ifeoma Ulasi and Robyn G. Langham.
As the rate of natural disasters and other devastating events caused by human activities increases, the burden on the health and well-being of those affected by kidney disease has been immeasurable. Health system preparedness, which involves creating a resilient system that is able to deal with the health needs of the entire community during times of unexpected disruptions to usual care, has become globally important. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a heightened awareness of the amplification of negative effects on the renal community. Paradoxically, the complex medical needs of those who have kidney diseases are not met by systems handling crises, often compounded by an acute increase in burden via new patients as a result of the crisis itself. Disruptions in kidney care as a result of unexpected events are becoming more prevalent and likely to increase in the years to come. It is therefore only appropriate that the theme for this year’s World Kidney Day will focus on Kidney Health for All: preparedness for the unexpected in supporting the vulnerable.
