Statistical data extracted from national databases demonstrate a continuous growth in the incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the ineffectiveness of current policies and strategies based on individual risk factors to reduce them, as well as their mortality and costs. Some innovative programs, telemedicine and government interest in the prevention of CKD did not facilitate timely access to care, continuing the increased demand for dialysis and transplants, high morbidity and long-term disability. In contrast, new forms of kidney disease of unknown etiology affected populations in developing countries and underrepresented minorities, who face socioeconomic and cultural disadvantages. With this background, our objective was to analyze in the existing literature the effects of social determinants in CKD, concluding that it is necessary to strengthen current kidney health strategies, designing in a transdisciplinary way, a model that considers demographic characteristics integrated into individual risk factors and risk factors population, incorporating the population health perspective in public health policies to improve results in kidney health care, since CKD continues to be an important and growing contributor to chronic diseases.

The Renal Health Model and its program is being built into public health care policies of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean and adapted to the needs of each country with an increasing acceptance on the part of health care professionals. It should not be implemented in isolation but within the framework of non transmissible diseases.

In this article we have moved the discussions of CKD beyond classification by introducing a clinical management tool, SAM-CKD, which couples a broader classification model with a systematic tool for management to foster standardization of CKD management for the future.

The implementation of the Renal Health Program in health ministries of Latin American and Caribbean countries would allow for a substantial improvement in renal health prevention and management, as a result of better distribution of financial and human resources.