Photo: Wouter Eijgelaar, Manager of Impact & Innovation of the Nierstichting & Jolien Roos-Hesslink, Managing Director of the DCVA
What is the Nierstichting in short and what does your organization stand for?
1.7 million Dutch citizens suffer from kidney damage, and this number is on the rise. Kidney damage is insidious, often going unnoticed until it is too late. Even mild kidney damage can lead to premature mortality. If left unaddressed, it is projected to become the fifth leading cause of death worldwide.
The Nierstichting (The Dutch Kidney Foundation) is making every effort to ensure healthy kidneys for everyone. We collaborate with partners to invest in innovations focused on prevention and improved treatments. Our goal is to empower individuals with kidney diseases to lead lives of their choosing. Additionally, we contribute to a healthier Netherlands by raising awareness about the crucial importance of maintaining healthy kidneys.
What does the Nierstichting hope to achieve through its collaboration with the Dutch CardioVascular Alliance (DCVA)?
The health of the heart and kidneys is intricately connected, a relationship we recognize. However, much remains unknown about the mechanisms and strategies for preventing diseases in this interconnected system. For an extended period, we have been collaborating with the Dutch CardioVascular Alliance (DCVA), and we are now officially a partner. As the Nierstichting, we recognize the significant value of collaboration, as it allows us to collectively achieve greater impact. Our focus includes preventing kidney damage and the consequent cardiovascular diseases through initiatives such as joint advocacy and educational campaigns. Moreover, there are aspects that are more effectively organized through collaboration. For instance, partnering in research enables us to expedite the translation of innovations from the laboratory to patient care.
What does the Nierstichting contribute to the DCVA?
The Nierstichting is not a conventional health fund; instead, we prioritize sustainable partnerships to achieve greater impact. In 2022, through collaborative efforts and co-financing, we were able to invest over 60 million euros in research and innovations. Many kidney patients also suffer from heart conditions, and vice versa. This is why we are eager to become a partner of the Dutch CardioVascular Alliance (DCVA). By doing so, we aim to expedite the delivery of innovations, focused on prevention or improved treatments, to patients, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.