A call for urgent action on chronic kidney disease across Europe

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health priority affecting nearly 850 million people worldwide and close to 100 million Europeans.1,2 The burden of CKD is projected to rise with an aging population and an increasing prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and obesity, the main risk factors for CKD.2,3 The prevalence of CKD is significantly higher, and is rising faster in Eastern than Western Europe, because the main CKD risk factors, as well as tobacco use, increased salt intake and physical inactivity are more prevalent.