World Kidney Day: a call to action for chronic kidney disease prevention and multidisciplinary care

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has emerged as a major global public health challenge, affecting approximately 10% of the population worldwide. Often asymptomatic in its early stages, CKD frequently goes undiagnosed until significant renal impairment has occurred, contributing to a strong risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in these patients. World Kidney Day is a vital opportunity to advocate for prevention, screening, and early intervention. Large-scale screening programs permit the identification of undiagnosed CKD cases, allowing timely implementation of pharmacological and lifestyle interventions to slow disease progression. Given that modifiable risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome play a significant role in CKD development, promoting healthy lifestyles, adequate hydration, and dietary modifications is crucial. Routine screening—including urinalysis, blood pressure monitoring, and metabolic assessments—should become standard in high-risk populations to facilitate early intervention. As CKD progresses, a multidisciplinary approach is essential. Nephrologists, nurses, and dietitians play a key role in ensuring comprehensive patient care, addressing not only renal function but also cardiovascular, metabolic, and nutritional aspects. Advances in personalized therapies have revolutionized CKD treatment, significantly reducing disease progression and cardiovascular mortality. Moreover, in advanced CKD (GFR <30 mL/min), timely preparation for renal replacement therapy and preemptive kidney transplantation are critical to improving outcomes. In conclusion, CKD prevention, early detection, and multidisciplinary management must be prioritized to mitigate its growing burden. World Kidney Day is a call to action for global efforts in prevention, innovation, and patient-centered care.