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Updated: Jan 27, 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, MD, USA.
Kidney disease affects over 750 million globally, with significant disparities in detection and care. Strengthening infrastructure and adopting pragmatic approaches are crucial for kidney health equity worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nephrology
- Global Health Disparities
Background:
- Kidney disease is a major global health issue impacting over 750 million individuals.
- Significant disparities exist worldwide in kidney disease detection, treatment, and care provision, influenced by socioeconomic and political factors.
Discussion:
- Many nations lack essential resources like basic diagnostics, specialized nephrology professionals, and universal healthcare access for kidney conditions.
- There's a critical need to enhance healthcare infrastructure for early detection and management of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease.
- Pragmatic strategies for delivering renal replacement therapies globally are essential.
Key Insights:
- World Kidney Day 2019 highlighted the global burden of kidney disease and the urgent need to address care inequities.
- Limited access to diagnostics, workforce, and treatments exacerbates kidney disease consequences in many regions.
- Achieving kidney health equity requires tailored, feasible approaches to care within universal health coverage frameworks.
Outlook:
- Focus on strengthening foundational kidney care services globally for early detection and management.
- Advocate for pragmatic, region-specific solutions for renal replacement therapies.
- Prioritize kidney health equity as a key component of achieving universal health coverage by 2030.
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...

