On 12 March 2026, the world will mark World Kidney Day—and this year the campaign is being held for the 20th time. The 2026 theme, “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet,” highlights the need to combine equitable, high-quality kidney care with environmental responsibility.

In many countries, current kidney care largely focuses on late-stage disease and treatment in dialysis centers. This model is costly, places a substantial burden on the environment, and does not always deliver optimal clinical outcomes or quality of life for patients. At the same time, the 78th World Health Assembly (2025) recognized kidney disease as a major global health threat, creating an opportunity to rethink approaches to kidney care.

A sustainable kidney care model should prioritize early detection and prevention, helping to reduce the need for kidney replacement therapy. For people living with kidney failure, stronger emphasis on transplantation and home-based dialysis can improve outcomes while also reducing environmental impact. In parallel, dialysis services should become more environmentally sustainable without compromising the quality of care. In selected clinical situations, especially for older and frail patients, conservative (non-dialysis) management should also be considered when it offers greater benefits in terms of quality of life.

Delivering these changes requires coordinated action across healthcare providers, academic and research institutions, policymakers, and the wider community—supported by ongoing public education and awareness-raising, and a clear shift toward patient-centered care.