From Hidden Threat to Global Priority: The Case for Chronic Kidney Disease
The World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), is debating whether to make kidney health a global priority at its next meeting in May 2025.
If passed, this resolution would mark a major step forward in recognising chronic kidney disease (CKD) as a serious health issue, just like other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It could help improve kidney care in the UK and in lower-income countries where services are often lacking. An NCD is a medical condition that cannot be spread from person to person. Examples include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and CKD.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a common inherited form of CKD. It causes cysts to grow in the kidneys, leading to damage over time. This damage can lead to CKD and eventually end-stage kidney failure, which often requires dialysis or a kidney transplant. Although PKD is typically inherited from an affected parent, it is still classed as a non-communicable disease because it is not contagious or passed through contact.
Although the WHO recognises many NCDs as major global health threats, CKD is not yet included as a priority within this group. As a result, many governments don’t give CKD the attention it needs.
But there is progress. In February 2025, the WHO Executive Board recommended a resolution that would officially include CKD as a priority. This follows alarming statistics: around 674 million people worldwide have CKD—about 1 in 11 people—and it’s expected to become the fifth leading cause of death globally by 2050.
What is a WHO resolution?
A WHO resolution is an agreement made by member countries that outlines shared goals for addressing global health issues. These resolutions help align efforts across nations, often by setting targets or guiding the creation of technical recommendations and policies.
If the resolution is passed, it will encourage all countries to:
- Include CKD in national health systems and ensure fair access to care
- Detect CKD earlier through routine screening
- Improve access to affordable, effective treatments
- Prioritise kidney transplants over dialysis when possible
- Raise awareness of CKD risks and how to prevent it
- Address factors that increase CKD risk, such as pollution and poor living conditions
- Fund research to better understand and manage CKD
The WHO would also support countries with policy advice, help raise funds to improve kidney care—especially in poorer regions—and track global progress over the next few years.
How You Can Help
There’s still time to support this historic move. Sign the petition urging the World Health Assembly to make kidney disease a global health priority.
Let’s make sure people living with PKD and other forms of CKD get the care and attention they deserve.
If you would like to speak to us about what support we can offer you or a loved one, please visit PKD Support or contact us today and speak to a member of our team.
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