NKF Global
NKF Global Initiative
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. There is an increasing incidence and prevalence of patients with kidney failure requiring replacement therapy, while poor outcomes and high treatment costs continue. There is an even greater prevalence of patients in earlier stages of CKD who experience adverse outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and premature death. CKD can be detected through fairly simple methods such as laboratory testing, and treatment is effective in slowing the progression to kidney failure and reducing cardiovascular events. The science and evidence-based care of these patients are universal and independent of their geographic location. There is a clear need to develop a uniform and global public health approach to the worldwide epidemic of CKD.
In order to address this need, NKF has launched initiatives outside the United States designed to improve patient outcomes, detect CKD, educate patients and health care professionals, and make a major impact on the public health problem of CKD. These programs are primarily of three types:
1) Early detection of CKD. The licensing and adaptation of NKF's Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP®), which detects CKD in high risk individuals, raises public and professional awareness and generates data which can drive the public health agenda within countries and on a global basis.
2) Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. In 2003, NKF established a Belgian non-profit foundation, Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO), with a 50-member international Board, expressly to develop, disseminate and facilitate the implementation of clinical practice guidelines. This is a parallel effort with NKF's Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI™), which has done similar work within the United States for 15 years.
3) The Kidney Learning System. The Kidney Learning System (KLS) is NKF's enterprise providing educational programs and opportunities for patients, families, physicians, medical professionals and the public. These programs can be adapted and translated for use in countries around the world.
It is NKF’s hope that these efforts will bring its Global Philosophy to life and help the global kidney community improve the health and well-being of patients everywhere.
If you have any questions about NKF's global initiatives, please contact NKF's Director of Global Activities Danielle Green at 212-889-2210, ext 135 or at danielleg@kidney.org.
