title: A public health action plan is needed for chronic kidney disease.
abstract: In 2005, chronic kidney disease (CKD) meets all criteria for classification as a public health problem in the United States. It imposes a large burden on society that is increasing despite ongoing efforts to control the disease. The burden is unevenly distributed by race and economic status, whereas evidence suggests that preventive strategies could substantially reduce the burden. Finally, there are indications that such strategies are not yet in place. A broad and coordinated public health approach to the burgeoning health, economic, and societal challenges of CKD is needed to complement present clinical approaches, increase awareness, promote early detection, and facilitate prevention and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Diabetes Translation, Atlanta, GA, USA. anton.c.schoolwerth@hitchcock.org
authors.forename: Anton C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Schoolwerth
authors.forename: Michael M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Engelgau
authors.forename: Thomas H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Hostetter
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D011634:Public Health; D015980:Public Health Practice; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States