Decarbonisation of CKD treatment in the UAE
Sustainable Healthcare Coalition, PureHealth, Maverex, AstraZeneca
https://shcoalition.org/decarbonisation-of-ckd-treatment-in-the-uae/
Abstract
It is recognised that global health and care systems are undergoing transformative change to adapt to the needs of patients and communities, with increasing pressure to be financially, socially and environmentally sustainable. Appraising the sustainability of care pathways is seen as a crucial step to enabling a more sustainable health system. As world leaders and policy makers gather in Dubai for the UNFCCC COP28, the Sustainable Healthcare Coalition has worked with Pure Health, Maverex and AstraZeneca to look at the profile of kidney disease in the UAE, assessing the health, health system and environmental burdens that chronic kidney disease poses in the country. This new discussion paper brings together learning from studies by the paper’s partners and others to shine a spotlight on routes to reduce those burdens.
The UAE has committed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and addressing the impact of healthcare could aid in reaching this target. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) treatment, notably resource-intensive at advanced stages, poses a substantial healthcare burden and environmental impact within the UAE. Our discussion paper shows that reducing the incidence and progression of early stages of CKD can reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) impact by reducing the need for intensive primary and secondary care interventions.
One important facet of this work emphasizes the role of patient transport and potential improvements in operational sustainability through the adoption of green technologies and energy-efficient practices in the design and delivery of renal replacement treatment (RRT) services to minimize associated emissions. Whilst there has been good progress in the UAE in some facilities in the delivery of sustainability best practices, the UAE’s net zero commitment may be facilitated by continued development and more implementation of sustainable solutions in CKD management. These recommendations are poised to contribute to the UAE’s climate action agenda and have relevance to nephrology practice globally.