https://www.kidneynews.org/page/special-section-global-crises

Flip through the special section

Read the full issue Volume 16, Issue 4 (April 2024)

Navigating Nephrology Care During Crises

By Paul Hanna

From the devastation brought on by hurricanes and tornadoes to the enduring hardships of warfare, the articles presented in this special section offer a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between nephrology and crisis management. 

The Kidney Community's Role in Natural Disasters and Climate Change

By Matthew F. Blum

Extreme weather events of increasing frequency and severity present significant challenges and risks for people undergoing dialysis. Evidence-based care, disaster planning, and broadscale advocacy are key to mitigating these effects in the face of climate change.

Challenges and Strategies in Managing Kidney Transplantation During Natural Disasters

By Aisha Batool, Cristina Popa, Badi Rawashdeh, and Beje Thomas

Natural disasters threaten the survival and well-being of transplant recipients. The authors propose a multifaceted approach to preparing for and responding to disasters and evaluating post-disaster interventions.

CKDu: Heat, Health, and Harm

By Anna Strasma

Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology or origin (CKDu) is a multifactorial disease endemic in regions with high ambient temperatures and strongly associated with occupational heat exposure. Occupational health policies, interventions, and environmental justice efforts are needed to help protect affected communities.

Green Kidney Care in Australia: Looking Backward and Forward

By Anoushka Krishnan and Katherine Barraclough

The Environmental Sustainability Committee (ESC) aims to promote and support environmentally sustainable kidney care in Australia and New Zealand. Such initiatives are making notable progress and serve as models for other regions, and further collaboration is needed to bolster the global green kidney care movement.

Hemodialysis in Times of War

By Sahar H. Koubar

During times of war, medical personnel shortages, infrastructure destruction, and scarcity of resources can result in lack of treatment and unfavorable outcomes for people undergoing hemodialysis. The author presents measures to mitigate the lack of dialysis in armed conflict zones.

Nephrology Care in Challenging Circumstances: A Patient's Perspective

By Rasha Raslan

A young Syrian refugee living with lupus nephritis shares her experience leaving war-torn Syria for Türkiye and recently relocating to the United States.