Implementing the commitments of the World Health Assembly kidney health resolution: a key opportunity to improve health for millions.

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease affects 850 million people worldwide and places a disproportionate burden on low-income and middle-income countries where access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and life-sustaining kidney replacement therapy (KRT) is restricted. In May, 2025, the 78th World Health Assembly adopted a resolution on kidney health that called on all member states to integrate kidney care into national strategies; enhance prevention, early detection, and timely management; strengthen primary care; expand access to KRT; and enhance capacity for measuring burden, progress, and return on investment. These ambitious commitments were followed by the Political Declaration of the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health. Capitalising on the opportunities created by these two initiatives will depend on governance, political commitment, and accountability, along with technical tools, appropriate funding, and mechanisms to measure progress. This Health Policy offers a practical framework to help governments and partners operationalise the commitments from the resolution and political declaration, drawing on lessons from other non-communicable disease programmes and on countries' experiences with kidney health policy.