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Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Burden, Access, and Disparities in Kidney Disease
Deidra C Crews1,2,3, Aminu K Bello4, Gamal Saadi5
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, dcrews1@jhmi.edu.
Kidney disease affects over 750 million people globally, with significant disparities in care due to socioeconomic and political factors. Strengthening global kidney care infrastructure is crucial for early detection, management, and achieving kidney health equity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nephrology
- Global Health Equity
Background:
- Kidney disease is a major global health issue impacting over 750 million individuals worldwide.
- Significant disparities exist in kidney disease burden and care, influenced by socioeconomic, cultural, and political determinants.
- World Kidney Day 2019 aimed to increase awareness and address these global inequities in kidney disease prevention and management.
Discussion:
- There is a critical need to enhance basic infrastructure for kidney care services globally.
- Early detection and management of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) require strengthened systems in all nations.
- Pragmatic approaches to renal replacement therapies are essential for improving patient outcomes.
Key Insights:
- Kidney health equity is significantly hampered by disparities in healthcare access and quality.
- Addressing the root causes of these disparities is vital for effective global kidney disease control.
- Integrating kidney care within broader universal health coverage goals is a key challenge.
Outlook:
- Achieving universal health coverage by 2030 necessitates a focus on locally feasible kidney care solutions.
- Prioritizing kidney health equity requires tailored strategies to reduce the burden and consequences of kidney disease.
- Continued global collaboration and investment are essential to bridge the gap in kidney care capacity.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management
Kidney Structure
External Anatomy of the Kidney
The kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space on either side of the vertebral column, protected posteriorly by the 11th and 12th ribs. The right kidney sits slightly lower than the left owing to the presence of the liver...

