Fifth session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

Side Event

Life, Equity, and Access: Advancing Kidney Care for People of African Descent

Date and Time: 
Wednesday 15 April
9:00 – 10:00 am

Duration: 60 minutes

Location: Room XI, building A, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland

Registration: Interested participants can register in the following link: https://luma.com/BairdFoundationUN

Sponsoring Organization(s)
Doris Baird Dialysis Clinic
In collaboration with global partners advancing health equity and medical access for communities of African descent.

Language of Event      
English            

Description of the Side Event
Kidney disease disproportionately affects people of African descent globally, yet access to dialysis treatment remains limited in many regions. This side event will examine how awareness, health infrastructure, and international partnerships can expand life-saving dialysis access. Anchored in the objectives of the International Decade for People of African Descent and aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), the discussion will highlight the work of the Doris Baird Dialysis Clinic as a model for community-driven health solutions. Participants will explore pathways to strengthen healthcare capacity, increase awareness of kidney disease disparities, and improve survival outcomes in underserved communities.

Background and Context
Kidney disease is a growing global health challenge and one of the most severe non-communicable diseases when treatment is not accessible. For patients experiencing kidney failure, dialysis is often the only life-sustaining option.

Yet access to dialysis remains deeply unequal. In many regions, treatment is limited, unaffordable, or entirely unavailable. These disparities disproportionately affect communities of African descent, where gaps in healthcare infrastructure, specialist care, and early diagnosis persist.

The Doris Baird Dialysis Clinic was established to respond to this urgent need by expanding access to dialysis treatment and strengthening healthcare capacity in underserved communities.

This side event places kidney care within the broader global discussion on health equity, emphasizing the need for awareness, investment, and coordinated international action.

Alignment with the United Nations Mandate
International Decade for People of African Descent
The International Decade for People of African Descent is grounded in three pillars: Recognition, Justice, and Development.

This side event advances these priorities by:
• Increasing global awareness of health disparities affecting people of African descent
• Addressing inequities in access to life-saving healthcare
• Supporting development through strengthened health systems and medical infrastructure
• Health equity is fundamental to advancing human rights, dignity, and long-term well-being for communities of African descent.

United Nations Sustainable Development GoalsSDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being
This event contributes directly to SDG 3 by focusing on:
• Expanding access to essential healthcare services
• Reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases
• Strengthening healthcare systems in underserved regions
• Improving access to dialysis is a critical component of achieving equitable health outcomes globally.

The Role of Awareness
Awareness is essential to addressing disparities in kidney disease.
In many affected communities:
• Diagnosis occurs at advanced stages
• Access to treatment is limited or unavailable
• The scale of the issue remains under-recognized

Without increased awareness, the urgency of the crisis is not fully understood, and necessary investments and policy responses remain insufficient.

This side event seeks to elevate awareness as a catalyst for action, enabling stronger engagement from governments, health institutions, and international partners.

Discussion
Themes
Health Inequities and Kidney Disease
Examining the disproportionate impact of kidney disease on people of African descent.

Awareness and Early Detection
Understanding the role of awareness in improving diagnosis, treatment access, and outcomes.

Expanding Dialysis Infrastructure
Exploring scalable approaches to increasing dialysis capacity in underserved regions.

Partnerships for Health Equity
Identifying opportunities for collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, and global partners.


Event Format
Moderated panel discussion with audience engagement.

Structure:

1. Opening remarks – 5 minutes

1. Panel discussion – 30 minutes

1. Audience dialogue – 20 minutes

1. Closing reflections – 5 minutes

Expected Outcomes
• Increased global awareness of kidney disease disparities
• Strengthened recognition of dialysis access as a health equity priority
• Engagement of partners to support expansion of dialysis services
• Practical recommendations to improve healthcare access and infrastructure

A summary of conclusions and recommendations will be submitted following the event.

Conclusion
Access to life-saving healthcare remains one of the defining equity challenges of our time.
For individuals living with kidney failure, dialysis is not optional. It is survival.
By advancing awareness, strengthening partnerships, and supporting scalable healthcare solutions, this side event contributes to global efforts to ensure equitable access to care and improved health outcomes for communities of African descent.

Lead Organizer
Doris Baird Dialysis Clinic

Website:dorisbairdfoundation.org

Contact: Dr. Wycliffe Baird, [email protected]