{"id":52177,"date":"2026-02-13T09:43:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T09:43:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theisn.org\/?p=52177"},"modified":"2026-04-14T09:20:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T09:20:15","slug":"isn-advocacy-newsletter-bridging-the-gaps-february-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theisn.org\/blog\/2026\/02\/13\/isn-advocacy-newsletter-bridging-the-gaps-february-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"ISN Advocacy Newsletter – Bridging the Gaps<\/em> – February 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Ready for global advocacy events?
\nGCCH Webinar, WKD, WHA79 & more<\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Welcome to the first 2026 edition of Bridging the Gaps<\/em>.<\/p>\n

We begin the year with real momentum. Kidney health is now firmly embedded in global policy, following the adoption of the WHO kidney health resolution<\/a> and the 2025 UN political declaration on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)<\/a>. These exciting developments represent a clear inflection point for our community.<\/p>\n

The ISN\u2019s focus in 2026 is on implementation \u2014 translating these powerful but symbolic recognitions into concrete actions and keeping kidney health at the forefront of the global health agenda.<\/p>\n

This edition highlights the ISN\u2019s engagement at the highest levels, including our preparations for the Global Kidney Policy Forum at WCN\u201926<\/a> and a high-level side event at the World Health Assembly<\/a>. ISN is also continuing to strengthen our partnerships across the circulatory health community. Two of our recent initiatives include a strategic memorandum of understanding with the International Diabetes Federation<\/a> and a joint webinar with the Global Coalition for Circulatory Health on translating the 2025 UN political declaration into action<\/a>. These efforts reinforce kidney health as an essential component of the global NCD agenda and of work to develop and expand universal health coverage.<\/p>\n

I am so proud of what our Society has accomplished, but so much remains to be done. As we work to convert these aspirational commitments into real-world impact, your continued support is essential to advancing global kidney health. Together.<\/p>\n

Warm regards,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"
\nMarcello Tonelli\u202f<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>
\nISN President<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_tta_accordion spacing=”5″ gap=”5″ c_position=”right” active_section=”” collapsible_all=”true” el_class=”accordion-isn”][vc_tta_section title=”From UN political declaration to patient outcomes: Join global leaders for a webinar on February 24″ tab_id=”circulatory-health-webinar”][vc_column_text]How can\u00a0the UN\u00a0political\u00a0declaration\u00a0commitments\u00a0translate into real change for people living with circulatory conditions?<\/p>\n

The 2025\u00a0United Nations political declaration on noncommunicable diseases<\/a>\u00a0(NCDs) sets out renewed global commitments to tackle premature deaths from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and other NCDs.<\/p>\n

Kidney disease is both a consequence and a driver of circulatory diseases,<\/strong>\u00a0sharing risk factors, pathways, and health system solutions.<\/p>\n

Unpack what the declaration\u00a0actually means\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

On\u00a0February 24 at 3 p.m.,\u00a0<\/strong>join\u00a0the\u00a0Global Coalition for Circulatory Health\u00a0Webinar: Translating the 2025 UN political declaration commitments into action for circulatory health<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0to\u00a0explore\u00a0what must happen at national levels\u00a0for the declaration\u00a0to translate into better health outcomes\u00a0for your patients.<\/p>\n

The webinar offers a global perspective for everyone working with noncommunicable diseases,\u00a0featuring voices from government, global institutions, and patient organizations \u2014 including ISN President Marcello Tonelli, the presidents of the International Diabetes Federation, the World Heart Federation, and the International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations, as well as the Ministers of Health from Kenya and Barbados.<\/p>\n

Learn more and register for the webinar<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Save the date for the Global Kidney Policy Forum during WCN\u201926: Shaping the future of kidney health policy in North and East Asia” tab_id=”GKPF2026″][vc_column_text]What does it take to move from policy commitments to real improvements in kidney care, and how can those lessons be applied across regions?<\/p>\n

On March 28, 2026*, the Professor Donal O’Donoghue Global Kidney Policy Forum<\/a> (PDOGKPF) will bring together policymakers, clinical leaders, and advocates to explore practical ways to strengthen kidney care systems in the ISN North and East Asia region<\/a>, focusing on approaches that translate into measurable progress for patients.<\/p>\n

Held at the WCN’26<\/a> in Yokohama, the 8th PDOGKPF comes at a critical moment. Following the adoption of the WHO kidney health resolution<\/a> in May 2025, countries may now focus on how to implement commitments to improve access to prevention, early detection, treatment, and kidney transplant care. This session will highlight strategies that can inform action not only in the region but in health systems worldwide.<\/p>\n

Guided by the theme “Bridging Policy and Practice for Kidney Health in North and East Asia,” participants will examine real-world policy experiences, discuss scalable kidney models, and share lessons that advocates, clinicians, and health leaders can adapt to their own contexts.<\/p>\n

WCN\u201926 registered delegates may enter and join the forum using their congress badge. Non-delegates may register using this form<\/a>, with places available on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n

*The GKPF takes place from 11-1 p.m. JST.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Every action counts: Get involved in World Kidney Day 2026!” tab_id=”wkd2026″][vc_column_text]Kidney health still receives far less attention than it deserves. Changing that requires visible, coordinated action that reaches communities, decision-makers, and health systems alike.<\/p>\n

World Kidney Day<\/a> (WKD) is designed to do exactly that. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, WKD offers a powerful global platform for clinicians, researchers, advocates, patients, caregivers, and community leaders to raise awareness and push kidney health higher on national and global agendas. Every action, whether large or small, helps spark conversation, inform policy, and improve lives.<\/p>\n

The year-long campaign builds toward a worldwide day of activities on March 12<\/strong>. This year’s theme, “Kidney health for all: Caring for People, protecting the planet,” highlights the close links between kidney health and environmental factors such as air pollution, heat exposure, and dehydration, while also drawing attention to the environmental footprint of kidney care itself.<\/p>\n

Ways to get involved <\/strong><\/p>\n