"850 million people worldwide are affected, which is about 10% of the global population. At the Milken Institute, we've led research showing how kidney disease is consistently characterized as a silent killer."
Sarah Wells Kocsis
"It's underappreciated that by 2040 kidney disease is projected to be the fifth largest killer in the world. A fact that is not well known is that if you're a woman with end-stage kidney disease, you're three times more likely to die than if you're a woman diagnosed with breast cancer."
Chris Toth
Key Takeaways
The Urgency of Kidney Disease: Kidney disease affects 850 million people worldwide, 10% of the global population, and is projected to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2040. Women with end-stage kidney disease are three times more likely to die than those with breast cancer, highlighting a severe gender disparity. Often described as a “silent disease,” it presents no symptoms until it reaches critical stages, “like a locomotive coming through.”
Technology-Enabled Solutions: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing kidney care through AI-powered quality control in dialysis, patient communication analysis, and connected device monitoring. Innovations like overnight peritoneal dialysis enable treatment during sleep, preserving cognitive function and quality of life. The cross-sector framework for addressing the crisis rests on three pillars: Innovation, Education, and Evidence.
Action Items
For Healthcare Systems: Strengthen infrastructure to support patients with kidney disease and comorbidities, and integrate care models to ensure seamless coordination across all treatment settings.
For Technology Companies: Scale AI applications beyond manufacturing to patient communication and clinical support, and develop connected ecosystems that integrate real-time device data with clinical expertise.
For Policymakers: Create reimbursement frameworks that reward the adoption of innovative home dialysis technologies and launch targeted education initiatives tailored to specific national contexts.
For Global Health Community: Build a robust evidence base demonstrating the clinical and economic benefits of digitally enabled kidney care. Foster cross-sector partnerships linking private industry, governments, and healthcare providers, while ensuring that technological innovations reach underserved populations facing the greatest health disparities.
