Sekkarie, Mohamed

Purpose of review The frequency of natural disasters and man-made conflicts has risen significantly in the past two decades, coinciding with an increase in kidney transplant recipients globally. This review addresses the critical need for disaster preparedness to mitigate the severe impacts on this vulnerable patient cohort. Recent findings Kidney transplant recipients are highly dependent on robust healthcare infrastructures for ongoing care, including specialized medical staff, advanced diagnostics, and a consistent supply of immunosuppressive medications. Disasters disrupt these essential services, leading to increased risks of organ rejection, infections, and other medical complications. Strategies at various levels, from government to individual patients, can help maintain care continuity during such crises. Summary Effective disaster preparedness plans involving strategic medication stockpiling, emergency communication systems, and patient education are crucial to support kidney transplant recipients. By implementing these measures, healthcare systems can better protect the health and well being of transplant patients during and after disasters.

Purpose of review The major fighting activities in the Syrian conflict have subsided, but the country continues to deal with significant political, economic, and psychosocial consequences that gravely impact the healthcare system, including the care of patients with kidney disease. The purpose of this manuscript is to review some of the problems faced by kidney patients in postconflict Syria and their available and proposed remedies. Recent findings Many challenges, such as unfair, poorly planned, and poorly organized distribution of resources, suboptimal quality-monitoring infrastructure, psychosocial barriers, and workforce shortages, impede the delivery of quality care and negatively impact outcomes. The negative impact of these problems is not uniform and tends to affect certain areas more than others because of geopolitical factors imposed by the conflict. Summary After prolonged conflicts, healthcare resources remain limited for prolonged periods, leading to inadequate care, poor outcomes, and worsening inequities. Involvement of the international community and expatriate nephrologists is essential to guide care delivery and improve outcomes. The lessons learned from the Syrian conflict apply to many limited resources and disaster situations.