Contributions to the creation of kidney health programs in Latin America, SLANH Kidney Health Committee

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is silent and is characterized by its high prevalence, high morbidity and mortality, especially cardiovascular, and high health costs.In Latin America, the lack of resources and low awareness of the disease, not only in the population but also in health care teams, makes early diagnosis and timely treatment difficult.To reverse this reality, it is necessary to have kidney health care programs (KHP), designed and implemented by nephrologists in each country, focused on improving the health conditions of patients at risk or with CKD.This article develops Latin American strategies and experiences of proven effectiveness in the prevention of kidney disease collected by the Renal Health Committee of the Latin American Society of Nephrology and Hypertension (SLANH) and outlines fundamental steps for the implementation of a KHP adapted to the realities and resources of each country.There is a need to generate prevention policies, establish a strong educational component, create efficient CKD detection programs, and achieve timely and universal access to treatment.