The Importance of Improving Promotion of Kidney Health and Access to Kidney Care: Perspectives From Leaders of Patient Organizations in Honduras

Abstract

Accessibility to kidney care is an essential component to ensure that patients with chronic kidney disease receive the necessary treatment in a timely and equitable manner. From our perspective as patients and/or leaders of patient organizations, we have observed how geographic, economic, informational, and psychosocial barriers negatively affect timely access to kidney health services, especially in Latin America. Improving access to kidney care is a complex challenge that requires a comprehensive approach, with an inclusive and equitable assertiveness. This includes not only the elimination of inequalities in access to treatments such as dialysis or kidney transplant, which is a reality that affects many patients, especially those in remote rural or low-income areas, but also access to prevention, early detection, and early treatment to prevent kidney failure. Improvements in education and information can make significant gains that benefit all people at risk of, or who suffer from, kidney disease at all stages of advancement, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. Therefore, policies are needed that focus not only on access to technology and its proper use but also on bringing these solutions to everyone, without forgetting the importance of emotional and psychosocial support, thus humanizing health care. This is a call to action for all actors involved, from health authorities to service providers, medical and scientific societies, and patient organizations, to work together to build a more accessible and equitable kidney health system for all kidney patients.

Keywords: Accessibility; Latin America; chronic kidney disease; equity; health education; inequalities; kidney health; prevention early detection; psychosocial support; telemedicine.