Disease Burden and Disparities of Care for Kidney Health in the Asian Pacific Region: Summary Report From the Diversity and Equity Committee of APSN
Issued Date
2026-03-01
Resource Type
ISSN
13205358
eISSN
14401797
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105032559083
Journal Title
Nephrology
Volume
31
Issue
3
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Nephrology Vol.31 No.3 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Wu I.W., Park H.C., Kwek J.L., Kwan L., Adiya S., Jesudason S., Leong B.C.M., Pyar K.P., Pichaiwong W., Vareesangthip K., Nugroho P., Henderson A.D., Ding X., Manandhar D.N., Yang J., Yanagita M. Disease Burden and Disparities of Care for Kidney Health in the Asian Pacific Region: Summary Report From the Diversity and Equity Committee of APSN. Nephrology Vol.31 No.3 (2026). doi:10.1111/nep.70186 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/115757
Title
Disease Burden and Disparities of Care for Kidney Health in the Asian Pacific Region: Summary Report From the Diversity and Equity Committee of APSN
Author's Affiliation
Fudan University
Universitas Indonesia
Graduate School of Medicine
Singapore General Hospital
Queen Mary Hospital Hong Kong
Siriraj Hospital
Royal Adelaide Hospital
College of Medicine
Taipei Medical University Hospital
Kangbuk Samsung Hospital
Rangsit University
Waikato Hospital
Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences
Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology
Nepal Medical College
Sunway Medical Centre
Shanghai Medical Center of Kidney
Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital
Defence Services General Hospital
Universitas Indonesia
Graduate School of Medicine
Singapore General Hospital
Queen Mary Hospital Hong Kong
Siriraj Hospital
Royal Adelaide Hospital
College of Medicine
Taipei Medical University Hospital
Kangbuk Samsung Hospital
Rangsit University
Waikato Hospital
Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences
Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology
Nepal Medical College
Sunway Medical Centre
Shanghai Medical Center of Kidney
Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital
Defence Services General Hospital
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Aim: The Diversity and Equity Committee (DEC) of the Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology (APSN) conducted a regional review to characterise disparities in kidney disease burden, healthcare access and nephrology service delivery across the Asia-Pacific (AP) region. Methods: A descriptive summary was compiled using national reports, registries, and expert inputs from DEC representatives. Data included kidney disease prevalence, dialysis and transplant modalities, healthcare system characteristics and disparity-related indicators. Comparative insights were drawn across countries using structured tables and narrative synthesis. Results: The AP region exhibits a disproportionate burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney failure with marked heterogeneity in disease aetiology, healthcare financing, and infrastructure. High-income countries such as Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Australia demonstrate mature universal insurance systems, comprehensive dialysis networks and national CKD prevention programs. Middle- and lower-income countries—including Indonesia, Myanmar, Mongolia and parts of South and Southeast Asia—face critical challenges such as workforce shortages, limited dialysis and transplant capacity and geographic inequities. Despite these challenges, several countries have introduced exemplary models to enhance equity and sustainability in kidney care: PD-first policies (Hong Kong, Thailand), pay-for-performance CKD programs (Taiwan), Kidney Health Plan 2033 (Korea), HALT-CKD (Singapore), and ACT-KID (Malaysia), indigenous kidney health efforts in Australia and the inclusion of additional insurance points for patient education in Japan. Persistent gaps remain in early detection, transplantation access, rural care and minority equity. Conclusion: Kidney disease care in the Asia–Pacific region reflects both diversity and disparity. Although universal health coverage and national kidney health initiatives have improved access in many countries, substantial inequities persist across geography, income and cultural groups. The collective experiences highlight both common challenges and innovative solutions. Strengthening regional collaboration, policy-driven efforts and sustainable workforce development are essential to achieving equitable kidney health for all.