Carrying the theme “INNOVATE, ELEVATE, TRANSFORM,” ADC 2025 brought together nephrologists, doctors, nurses, dialysis managers, and other healthcare professionals to discuss the latest advancements in renal care, from kidney transplants and green nephrology to dialysis innovation, vaccination, and patient quality of life.
One of the key highlights was the HIV & CKD Symposium, which explored treatment access, stigma, and the challenges faced by HIV-positive patients needing dialysis or transplants.
The conference also touched on the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of dialysis patients, embracing a more holistic approach to kidney health.
A Global Push for Kidney Care
This year’s conference came just months after the World Health Assembly’s historic Resolution 78 (WHA78), which officially placed kidney disease on the World Health Organization’s NCD agenda for the first time.
“The fight against CKD requires not only clinical excellence but global solidarity. The WHA78 resolution reinforces the need for prevention, innovation, and access to care, values NKF is deeply committed to,” said Dato’ Dr Zaki Morad, NKF Chairman.
Why It Matters
Kidney disease is now one of Malaysia’s most pressing health concerns:
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15% of Malaysian adults (about 2.5 million people) are affected by CKD.
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More than 50,000 Malaysians are currently on dialysis.
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Around 10,000 new dialysis cases are recorded every year.
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Only 500–600 kidney transplants are performed annually.
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The cost of dialysis averages RM60,000–RM70,000 per patient each year.
With over 500 delegates attending, ADC 2025 became a powerful platform for collaboration and innovation, reaffirming NKF’s mission to elevate kidney care and improve patients’ quality of life across Malaysia.