EKHA - European Kidney Health Alliance

Millions suffer from #CKD. Yet, CKD receives limited attention in EU policy. At the start of the new #EU mandate, it’s vital to send a signal to policymakers on the need to combat CKD, and EKHA’s Kidney Manifesto presents priorities to improve #kidneyhealth! 👉 Endorse the manifesto: https://bit.ly/3ProQZ1

We were honoured to participate in the 18 November #EACH event, where EKHA President Prof. Em. Raymond Vanholder expanded on the links between #ChronicKidneyDisease and cardiovascular disease.   Cardiovascular conditions stand as the primary cause of death in Europe and are closely related to #kidney disease, as at least 30% of #CVD patients will develop #CKD. What is more, more than 50% of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease die as a result of heart disease.   To address the considerable burden that CKD and CVD place on patients and their loved ones, and on healthcare systems overall, and reduce the worrying figures related to these conditions, the implementation of harmonised joint screening is vital.   Screening for levels of albuminuria – a key biomarker for detecting CKD that can also indicate risk for cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure, arrythmias and stroke – has a particularly important role to play in identifying risks for CKD and CVD that could otherwise go overlooked, and many already suffer from kidney disease without knowing so.   To improve patient outcomes, early intervention following early screening is crucial. By focusing on the markers that matter, risks for both CVD and CKD can be addressed and the onset of complications delayed, or even avoided. It’s time to foster greater uptake of joint #screening to enhance quality of life for patients and strengthen #healthcare systems!

On 14 November, EKHA joined in celebrating #WorldDiabetesDay. #KidneyDisease and #diabetes are closely linked, with many #kidneypatients with #ChronicKidneyDisease suffering from diabetes. EKHA fully supports this crucial global awareness day and all efforts to be #UnitedForDiabetes, to advance treatment, care and research for this condition, which impacts the lives of many. During the new #EU political mandate, addressing the devastating effects of both #CKD and diabetes should be a top health priority. Here, the implementation of an EU #NCD framework that includes screening and joint health checks for co-occurring diseases can offer a vast contribution.   #DiabetesLife

Now available! EKHA President Prof. Raymond Vanholder, along with leading European nephrologists and patient advocates, published a new paper on managing #anemia in #ChronicKidneyDisease.      Highlighting the impact of anemia on quality of life, this paper encourages a holistic and personalised approach to care.    👉 Read more: https://bit.ly/4fcRAQt #CKD #QoL #kidneypatients 

📢 Just published! EKHA President Prof. Raymond Vanholder and fellow experts consider the proceedings of the Life/2022 Membrane Symposium on dialysis membrane advancements.    This article on the 2022 Symposium in Frankfurt considers trends and innovations that could transform outcomes for #kidneypatients with advanced #ChronicKidneyDisease across #Europe.    👉 Read the publication to discover more on #dialysis advancements: https://bit.ly/3YAnm3S 

Even the smallest stroke can have a massive impact.    Today, 29 October, EKHA joins in marking World Stroke Day 2024. Strokes – whether small or large, ischaemic or haemorrhagic – cause distress for patients and those around them and can confront those who continue with their lives after suffering stroke with difficulties and complexities they never thought to experience.    #KidneyDisease and #CVD, such as strokes, are closely linked, with some 50% of patients with #ChronicKidneyDisease having a cardiovascular condition. On World Stroke Day – that, this year, focuses on prevention and the value of physical activity in avoiding strokes – and always, EKHA fully supports efforts to raise greater global awareness on the prevention, recognition and treatment of strokes and risk factors, and to encourage all those affected to be #GreaterThan strokes.    Discover more about this year’s World Stroke Day: https://bit.ly/4e005gi 

Kidney disease affects hundreds of millions of people globally, placing a strain on #kidneypatients, families and healthcare systems. Yet, this prevalent #chronic disease, with a considerable impact on #environment and economies, remains largely neglected.   EKHA supports the International Society of Nephrology petition, that calls on world leaders to push for a World Health Organization resolution to make #kidney health a global priority.   By supporting the petition, you can help drive change and contribute to improving millions of lives! Make your voice heard today – it’s a small step with a huge impact!   Sign the petition via https://ow.ly/WVjc50TfoZO   #KidneyHealthMatters

We stand in solidarity with the victims of the devastating floods in Poland and Hungary.     The increasing frequency of similar natural disasters due to climate change threatens the most vulnerable, including those living with chronic kidney disease.     At EKHA, we have long emphasized the need for healthcare system preparedness to ensure continuity of care for these patients in times of crisis.     One of our recent publication outlines strategies to minimize risks for kidney healthcare providers and patients during such events: https://bit.ly/3Y7P0nj    #KidneyHealth #HealthSystems #DisasterPreparedness #ClimateChange 

As the Commissioner Hearings approach, EKHA urges policymakers to focus on the rising burden of chronic kidney disease. Our Kidney Manifesto offers clear recommendations for improving prevention, awareness, and treatment: https://lnkd.in/dzJfSuh4 Now is the time to ensure that kidney health is high on the EU agenda. Let’s drive change together! #KidneyHealth #EUHealthPolicy

On 5 October, EKHA joined in celebrating the European Day for Organ, Tissue and Cell Donation. Across Europe, many #NCD patients, including #KidneyPatients suffering from advanced #ChronicKidneyDisease, require an organ transplant. Yet, donor organs are scarce, while the need for organs is great. In 2024, European Donation Day highlighted the value that #OneDecision – the decision to donate – can have for the many who require organ transplants for the treatment of progressed #organ failure. One year ago today, EKHA’s open letter to EU policymakers underlined the crucial need for efforts to strengthen organ donation and transplantation, including through the implementation of a second EU Action Plan. At the outset of the new legislative mandate, now is the time for action! If not now, when? As EKHA continues to call for #EU action to improve the donation and transplantation landscape in Europe, this impactful awareness day marked annually by the Council of Europe places a spotlight on the great potential of organ donation to save and improve the lives of many! 👉 https://bit.ly/4eV646R