Global conflicts and poverty pose significant threats to kidney health, limiting access to vital care and medications. In this blog post, Dr. Darryl Virgiawan Tanod, Medical Doctor at PKU Muhammadiyah Islamic Hospital, Palangkaraya, Indonesia, and World Kidney Day Champion, highlights these challenges and explores practical solutions to ensure everyone receives the kidney care they need. 

In a world grappling with ongoing conflicts and the stark reality of poverty, the theme of World Kidney Day 2024 “Kidney Health for All: Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice” takes on an even more significant role. As physicians entrusted with the responsibility to promote health and well-being for all, we are compelled to address the impact of world conflicts and poverty on kidney health. 

• The Impact of World Conflicts on Kidney Health: 

Ongoing conflicts ravage healthcare infrastructures, leading to reduced access to essential medical services, including kidney care. Access to safe and effective medications is regularly hindered during times of war and extreme poverty. Patients with kidney diseases may struggle to afford essential medications, leading to non-compliance and disease progression. The unavailability of affordable generic drugs further exacerbates the situation, as individuals struggle to manage chronic kidney conditions effectively. Physicians often struggle to provide adequate care due to a lack of medical supplies, personnel, and damaged facilities. Also, world conflicts lead to forced displacement, resulting in limited access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and proper nutrition. These factors can contribute to the development of kidney diseases and exacerbate existing conditions. 

• Poverty’s Contribution to Kidney Health Challenges: 

Poverty restricts individuals from accessing regular check-ups, diagnostic tests, and appropriate care. Consequently, kidney diseases can go undiagnosed and untreated, leading to more severe complications. Poverty is closely linked with crowded living spaces, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to clean water. These conditions increase the risk of kidney infections, chronic kidney diseases, and kidney failure. 

• The barriers in chronic kidney disease (CKD), such as: 

Lack of awareness, limited knowledge, shortage of specialists, and high treatment costs, undoubtedly contribute to disparities in accessing treatments. These challenges affect not only low- and middle-income countries but also certain high-income settings. 

Efforts should focus on rebuilding healthcare systems during and after conflicts, ensuring they are equipped to handle kidney health challenges.

Developing countries should prioritize kidney care services, invest in training nephrologists.

Governments should allocate sufficient funds to support the establishment of specialized renal care centers in remote areas to improve access for marginalized populations and increase the number of kidney transplant centers. Collaborative efforts between countries can also facilitate knowledge and experience sharing between specialists, ensuring the equitable distribution of nephrological expertise. 

Emphasis should be placed on educating communities about risk factors, prevention strategies, and regular screening for kidney diseases. Public health campaigns targeted at educating individuals about the risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures of CKD can help increase awareness. Governments, healthcare organizations, and non-governmental organizations should collaborate to effectively communicate and disseminate information about CKD, its early detection, and management. 

Offering comprehensive training programs and continuing medical education opportunities for healthcare professionals can enhance their understanding and familiarity with the latest therapeutic techniques. This can be done through conferences, workshops, online courses, and exchange programs that promote knowledge sharing and skill development. This can empower individuals to take necessary steps for early intervention. Promoting equitable access to affordable medications, especially in impoverished areas, is crucial for patients managing kidney diseases. Physicians should educate patients about the importance of adhering to prescribed medication regimens, emphasizing the role of medication in preserving kidney function and preventing complication. Regular review of prescribed medications is vital to adjust dosages and minimize the risk of adverse drug reactions, especially in patients with compromised kidney function.

Utilizing telemedicine and digital platforms can bridge the gap in healthcare access, especially during times of crisis. Remote consultations and online support groups can facilitate healthcare delivery, allowing patients to receive guidance and therapy while facing logistical barriers.

Governments should strive to provide universal healthcare coverage that includes comprehensive renal care for all citizens. Negotiating with pharmaceutical companies to reduce the costs of medications and dialysis supplies can also help alleviate the financial strain on patients. Additionally, research and investment in cost-effective treatment options, such as home-based dialysis or innovative therapies, can improve affordability and accessibility.

Finally in times of global conflicts and rampant poverty, kidney health cannot take a backseat. Access to equitable healthcare and following optimal medication practices must be at the forefront of efforts to address kidney health challenges. Addressing the barriers in CKD requires a multifaceted approach involving public awareness campaigns, improving knowledge and confidence among healthcare professionals, increasing the number of kidney specialists, and tackling the financial burden of treatment. As physicians, we must advocate for investments in healthcare systems, prioritize prevention strategies, and ensure medications are accessible and affordable. Only through collective action can we strive towards advancing kidney health for all, regardless of their socio-economic status or the turmoil they may face.

 

Disclaimer: The blog series is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to endorse or promote any specific drug, product, or brand. Each individual’s experience is unique and should not be construed as medical advice or a guarantee of similar results for others. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health and well-being.