The global health community has achieved a remarkable milestone in 2025: for the first time, kidney disease has been formally recognized as a priority in international health policy. As a biomedical manufacturer committed to advancing patient care, we're watching closely as these historic commitments begin transforming into real-world improvements for patients worldwide.

Two major milestones mark 2025 as a breakthrough year:

• The WHO Resolution on Kidney Health—the first-ever World Health Organization resolution dedicated specifically to kidney disease, adopted in May 2025
• Three mentions in the UN Political Declaration on Noncommunicable Diseases—confirming kidney health as integral to the global fight against chronic diseases

These achievements represent years of persistent advocacy by kidney specialists, patient organizations, and healthcare professionals who refused to let this silent epidemic remain invisible.

Why This Matters

The numbers tell a sobering story. Noncommunicable diseases such as kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer claimed, approximately 43 million lives in 2021. The most striking fact? Up to 80% of these deaths could have been prevented with better access to care, earlier detection, and addressing risk factors.

Kidney disease ranks among the fastest-rising causes of death globally, yet historically it has received far less attention than other chronic conditions. These new international commitments change that narrative, but only if followed by concrete action.

From Promises to Practice

The real challenge lies in helping countries turn global commitments into practical programs that improve lives. Implementation efforts are now focusing on three key areas:

1. Country-Specific Support

Working directly with governments to understand their unique challenges, identify opportunities for improvement, and tailor strategies to fit each nation's healthcare system and resources.

2. Building Partnerships

Connecting countries facing similar challenges, facilitating the exchange of successful strategies, and building networks between governments, healthcare providers, and patient organizations.

3. Empowering Local Champions

Training local advocates, empowering healthcare professionals with the latest knowledge, and strengthening national kidney health advocacy efforts.

Bringing Stakeholders Together

In September 2025, a high-level event titled "Kidney Health Can't Wait: Turning Commitments Into Action" brought together government policymakers, researchers, patient advocates, and healthcare leaders during the UN General Assembly. The message was clear: the world has made promises about kidney health—now it's time to deliver on them.

A Collaborative Approach to Chronic Disease

Kidney disease doesn't exist in isolation; it is deeply connected to heart disease and diabetes. Recognizing these connections, kidney health organizations are partnering with heart and diabetes federations for a joint webinar in February 2026 on "circulatory health."

This collaborative approach recognizes that managing chronic diseases together rather than in silos leads to better outcomes for patients.

Regional Success Stories

The annual Global Kidney Policy Forum in March 2026 will showcase how countries can translate global commitments into local action. Taking place in Japan during the World Congress of Nephrology, the forum will highlight Japan's innovative approaches to managing chronic kidney disease in an aging population – lessons that other countries can adapt to their own contexts.

World Kidney Day 2026: A Historic Recognition

On March 12, 2026, World Kidney Day will be celebrated globally with a groundbreaking theme: "Kidney health for all: Caring for people, protecting the planet."

For the first time, the campaign highlights connections between kidney care and environmental sustainability—from the environmental impact of dialysis treatment to climate-related risks to kidney health. This year's observance is particularly historic: thanks to the WHO resolution, World Kidney Day is now officially recognized as a global public health day.