happy senior african american couple walking in park.

February 18, 2026

Kidney disease can often be prevented or slowed—especially when people have the information and support they need early on. But in Canada, Black communities continue to face a disproportionate burden of kidney disease, along with barriers to timely diagnosis, access to care, and representation in health research.

In 2025, Can-SOLVE CKD partnered with the Black Health Alliance and the Kidney Foundation of Canada (KFOC) to host a two-part webinar series focused on protecting Black kidney health and supporting greater representation from Black patient partners in kidney research.

The series featured an all-Black panel of doctors, researchers, and people living with kidney disease who shared insights on kidney health, prevention, and how lived experience can help shape better research and care.

Here are five key takeaways from those conversations—insights that are already shaping our work, and that will guide future partnerships and engagement with Black communities:

1. Inequities in kidney care are real—and they have consequences

Panelists spoke about how Black people in Canada experience disproportionately high rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD), often alongside delayed referrals, fewer treatment options, and poorer outcomes.

These inequities can be driven by multiple factors, including systemic barriers and discrimination, socioeconomic challenges, limited awareness of kidney disease and testing options, and higher rates of conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which are leading causes of CKD. Together, these factors can make prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment more difficult.

2. Early detection can change outcomes

Fortunately, the progression of kidney disease can be slowed or prevented if it is caught early. Medication and lifestyle changes—such as adjusting diet, exercising, staying hydrated, and avoiding medications that harm the kidneys—can significantly delay the onset of kidney failure.

But it all starts with testing and early detection.

In the first webinar, Lynn Clarke, a kidney patient and support group facilitator with KFOC, shared her experience of being diagnosed with kidney disease after her doctor noticed abnormalities in her bloodwork. Like many people living with CKD, she experienced no early symptoms—highlighting why routine testing is so important, especially for those at higher risk.

3. Education is a powerful tool for self-advocacy

Panelists emphasized that learning about kidney health can help people ask better questions, navigate care, and advocate for themselves.

“We’re very blessed that we have a universal healthcare system, but we know it’s not perfect,” said Dr. Oshorenua Aiyegbusi, a nephrologist specializing in kidney transplantation. “So, your biggest weapon is education. Your knowledge is your power.”

Clarke echoed this message, sharing how she learned to manage both her physical and mental health after diagnosis. “This means getting to know my body and learning how to advocate for myself with health care professionals about what works for me.”

4. Representation in research matters

Despite being disproportionately affected by kidney disease, Black people in North America have historically been under-represented in health research and clinical studies. This limits what researchers can learn about how kidney disease develops and progresses across different populations—and whether treatments work equally well for everyone.

In the second webinar, nephrologist and researcher Dr. Ayodele Odutayo noted that humans are far more alike than different, but that inclusive research is still essential to identify meaningful differences and ensure that care and treatments are effective across communities.

“If we don’t have sufficient representation in studies, we won’t find [those effective therapies],” he said.

And participating in research doesn’t always mean joining a clinical trial. Sometimes, sharing your experiences through a survey or discussion can be just as valuable.

5. Patient partners are helping lead change

Several panelists spoke about the importance of patient partnership—where people with lived experience of kidney disease (and other conditions) contribute to research teams, shaping priorities, study design, and how research findings are shared.

“It has made me feel very empowered to know that my lived experience could guide science in a more human direction,” said Jessica Ntofon, a patient partner with Canada’s KRESCENT program. “It’s helped me heal and also allowed me to advocate for others, especially young Black people, who might not see themselves reflected in health care spaces.”

Looking ahead

These conversations are an important starting point—and as a pan-Canadian kidney research network, Can-SOLVE CKD is committed to continuing this work through ongoing partnership and engagement with Black communities across the country. We encourage you to watch and share the webinar recordings to help keep these insights moving forward.