CKD awareness in Thailand gets royal seal of approval
ISN President Adeera Levin and Executive Council Member Masaomi Nangaku recently traveled to Thailand to meet with local nephrologists and government officers from the country’s Ministry of Public Health. The main highlight of the visit was going to Chitralada Palace for an audience with H.R.H Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, presenting the Her Royal Highness with an ISN Special Recognition Award for her extraordinary contributions to caring for CKD patients. 
The visit was also an opportunity to meet the local medical community, explain ISN’s mission of advancing nephrology around the world and talk about the Society’s approach to tackling the burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Levin spoke about the recent ISN Global Kidney Health Atlas survey and the Global Kidney Summit, which will both help position CKD within the context of non-communicable diseases. She emphasized how kidney disease contributes to and amplifies other illnesses. In the opening address, she expressed desire of the ISN to strengthen links with Thai nephrologists.
Dr. Sophon Mekthon pointed out that CKD is challenging and costly. Diabetes and hypertension are the main cause of CKD in Thailand, and cardiovascular complications are important. The Ministry of Public Health has a long-term strategy with CKD clinic, playing a key role in early detection of CKD. However, harmonizing NCD care under the limited resources is still an important issue. 
