Regional expert network launched to help ensure continuity of care for chronic kidney disease …
30 September 2024, Cairo, Egypt – The Eastern Mediterranean Region faces a huge burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Region’s frequent humanitarian emergencies –including conflicts, natural disasters and public health crises – place enormous strain on health care systems, making it particularly difficult to provide specialized care such as renal dialysis.
In times of crisis, ensuring continuity of care for patients with chronic kidney disease – including those on dialysis and transplant patients – becomes an enormous challenge. Patients can face life-threatening interruptions in their treatment due to damaged health infrastructure, shortages of essential medications and supplies, unreliable sources of water and electricity and shortages of health care personnel.
In Sudan, the armed conflict that began in April 2024 has placed over 8000 dialysis patients at severe risk of service disruption. By August 2024, only 44 functioning facilities remained out of the 102 available before the crisis, leaving 5000 patients without adequate care. In Gaza, where the unprecedented levels of destruction caused by the ongoing conflict has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, the need to ensure continuity of care for CKD patients has never been more urgent.
In response to the challenges, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean has established a regional expert network on chronic kidney disease management, with a special focus on dialysis and kidney care during emergencies.
The initiative aims to support Member States explore innovative ways to maintain