Disaster preparedness and kidney health in children.

Abstract

Disasters pose significant risks to vulnerable populations, particularly children with chronic health conditions such as kidney disease. This paper explores the unique challenges faced by children with kidney disease during and after disasters, focusing on disruptions to essential medical services such as dialysis, access to clean water, and maintenance medications. The vulnerability of these children is further amplified in low-resource settings, where disaster preparedness is often lacking. We present strategies for improving disaster preparedness, including early dialysis initiation, patient and family education, and securing reliable access to medical supplies and treatment facilities. Ensuring the resilience of health systems and comprehensive disaster planning are crucial to safeguarding the health of this at-risk population during emergency situations.