Providing environmentally sustainable nephrology care: focus in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Luyckx, V A; Alasfar, S; Bajpai, D; Atwater, C E; Knight, J; Talbot, B; Davies, S; Niang, A

Abstract

Healthcare on a global scale significantly contributes to carbon emissions, with high-income countries being the primary culprits. Within healthcare, dialysis plays a significant role as a major source of emissions. Low- and middle-income countries have a high burden of kidney disease, and are facing an increasing demand for dialysis. This reality presents multiple opportunities to plan for environmentally sustainable and quality kidney care. By placing a stronger emphasis on primary and secondary prevention of kidney disease and its progression, within the framework of universal health coverage, as well as empowering patients to enhance self-care, we can significantly reduce the need for costly and environmentally detrimental kidney replacement therapy. Mandating the adoption of lean and innovative low-carbon dialysis practices while also promoting the growth of kidney transplantation would enable low and middle-income countries to take the lead in implementing environmentally friendly nephrology practices and reducing costs, thus optimising sustainability and the well-being of individuals living with kidney disease. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.]

Citation

Luyckx, V. A., Alasfar, S., Bajpai, D., Atwater, C. E., Knight, J., Talbot, B., …Niang, A. (2024). Providing environmentally sustainable nephrology care: focus in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Kidney International, 105(2), 259-268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kint.2023.09.034

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 25, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Nov 25, 2023
• Publication Date: 2024-02
• Deposit Date: Mar 12, 2024
• Journal: Kidney international
• Print ISSN: 0085-2538
• Electronic ISSN: 1523-1755
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 105
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 259-268
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kint.2023.09.034
• Keywords: sustainability, carbon footprint, Climate change, dialysis, green nephrology, kidney health
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0085253823007809?via%3Dihub