A Public Health Action Plan Is Needed for Chronic Kidney Disease

In 2005, chronic kidney disease (CKD) meets all criteria for classification as a public health problem in the United States. It imposes a large burden on society that is increasing despite ongoing efforts to control the disease. The burden is unevenly distributed by race and economic status, whereas evidence suggests that preventive strategies could substantially reduce the burden. Finally, there are indications that such strategies are not yet in place. A broad and coordinated public health approach to the burgeoning health, economic, and societal challenges of CKD is needed to complement present clinical approaches, increase awareness, promote early detection, and facilitate prevention and treatment.

Index Words: Kidney disease , Public health , Surveillance , Prevention , Outcomes , End-stage renal disease

a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Diabetes Translation, Atlanta, GA

b Section of Hypertension/Nephrology, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH

c National Kidney Disease Education Program, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD

Address correspondence to Anton C. Schoolwerth, MD, MSHA, One Medical Center Drive, 2M, Lebanon, NH 03756

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the funding agency.

PII: S1548-5595(05)00125-4

doi:10.1053/j.ackd.2005.07.012

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