Last week, the government published the 10 Year Health Plan for England—yet kidney disease was largely overlooked. This is a missed opportunity to address one of the fastest-growing health threats in the UK. We now call on the government to take the next crucial step: publish a national strategy to tackle chronic kidney disease (CKD), head-on.

Without action, kidney disease will place an unsustainable burden on patients, families, and NHS services.

At the PKD Charity, we support people affected by Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) —the fourth leading cause of kidney failure—as well as their families and carers. We witness daily the devastating effects kidney disease has on every aspect of life: from work and school to mental and physical health.

The Growing Impact of Kidney Disease in the UK

More than 7.2 million people in the UK—over 1 in 10—are now living with kidney disease. These numbers are rising fast and risk overwhelming the NHS. By 2033, the cost of kidney disease could exceed £14 billion a year, with nearly £11 billion in direct NHS costs. Yet despite these figures, kidney disease has long been under-prioritised.

A recent resolution adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) marks a major step forward. For the first time, kidney disease is recognised alongside cancer, heart disease and chronic respiratory illness as a global health threat. We thank the UK Government for its leadership in helping secure this landmark.

But much more needs to happen here in the UK. Kidney disease is now the third fastest-growing cause of death globally. Around 60,000 people in the UK currently rely on dialysis or a transplant to stay alive—treatments that are invasive, risky and life-limiting. For many, dialysis means three hospital visits a week for hours at a time, with a huge impact on daily life.

Worryingly, this number is set to rise to 143,000 by 2033. PKD alone affects 70,000 people in the UK. While currently incurable, early diagnosis and newer treatments are offering real hope. Innovations in care are helping to slow disease progression and improve lives.

Prevention, Early Diagnosis, and Innovation Offer Hope

The good news is that kidney disease can often be prevented or delayed. Early detection, lifestyle changes and targeted treatments for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and genetic disorders like PKD can make a real difference.

That’s why a national strategy is urgently needed. A joined-up approach focused on prevention, early diagnosis and patient-centred care will improve quality of life, ease pressure on the NHS, and keep people healthier for longer.

Add Your Name: Call on the Prime Minister to Tackle Kidney Disease

We, alongside Kidney Research UK, Kidney Care UK, the National Kidney Federation and the UK Kidney Association, stand united in urging the government to act now. Kidney disease has been overlooked for too long. Real change requires dedicated action.

Sign our open letter to the Prime Minister today and join the call for a national strategy on kidney disease. Together, we can change the future for over 7 million people.

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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