Countermeasures for natural disasters in dialysis centers: Indonesia “from the international symposium of the 69th annual meeting of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy 2024” and Japan’s support for dialysis centers following the 2025 Myanmar e

Abstract At the 2024 annual meeting of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy (JSDT), a symposium on disaster preparedness in dialysis facilities was held, featuring a comprehensive report from Indonesia. Indonesia has a history of frequent disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods caused by tropical cyclones. This article describes strategies and countermeasures designed to protect dialysis centers in Indonesia from the impacts of natural disasters. By recognizing the essential role these centers have in delivering life-sustaining treatment to individuals with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and examining existing protocols, disaster response plans, and lessons from past incidents, this article provides insights into proactive strategies that, perhaps, should facilitate protection of dialysis facilities and ensure continuity of care even amid adverse environmental conditions. During the preparation of this manuscript, an earthquake struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025, resulting in extensive damage that was reported worldwide. The regions surrounding Mandalay and Naypyidaw were particularly impacted. Prof. Kriang Tungsanga of the Nephrology Society of Thailand (NST) acted swiftly by obtaining information from a past president of the Myanmar Nephro-Urology Society (MNUS) and promptly contacted us on the Japanese side. Dialysis professionals from Japan, Thailand, and Myanmar had established collaborative ties through activities within the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) Oceania and Southeast Asia Regional Board, and the Japanese Society for Dialysis therapy international forum being held during the JSDT annual meeting. Through this network, dialysis supplies were urgently dispatched from Japan to the disaster-stricken areas in Myanmar. This paper chronologically outlines the methods and characteristics of international dialysis supply support to a conflict-affected country.