New challenges confront nephrologists worldwide, both in developed and in low-income countries, regarding the care of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and their access to transplantation. In the past decades, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a major public health problem, as it is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, social and healthcare expenditures [1]. The world health organization (WHO) has recognized the burden posed by CKD, promoting focused national programs [2-4]. The observed shifting epidemiology of ESRD from glomerulopathies to diabetic and vascular nephropathies, mirroring cardiovascular morbidity trends in the general population, emphasizes that renal health should be considered as a medical priority. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.