Representatives from Diaverum attended the European Kidney Patients’ Federation (EKPF) Annual Summit 2025 in Milan. Held over two days, 4 – 5 November, the event brought together patient organisations, advocates and stakeholders from across Europe to share best practice, discuss current challenges and coordinate advocacy efforts in kidney patient care.
The annual summit is hosted by EKPF, an umbrella organisation representing kidney patient associations across Europe. The foundation of its work is the health and well-being of people living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and their carers. While those on dialysis and kidney transplant recipients make up the majority of patients, EKPF also represents people in the early stages of kidney disease, often referred to as pre-dialysis patients. A key part of its mission is to promote the early detection of kidney disease.
The event featured presentations, new research findings and interactive workshops, as well as the EKPF Member Associations’ annual meeting. Once again, the summit demonstrated the power of the kidney community coming together – sharing experiences, supporting one another and strengthening the collective European voice for people living with CKD.
Diaverum participated actively in the summit, proudly standing as an Official Sponsor. Representatives included Elenor Mårtensson, Global Customer Manager for d.HOLIDAY, and Maria Chiara Durio, Country Managing Director for Diaverum Italy. Elenor delivered a presentation titled ‘d.HOLIDAY’s Journey to Empower Travel’, sharing Diaverum’s comprehensive approach to holiday dialysis and presenting the expansion of the FlyBack Programme.
It was particularly meaningful to introduce the FlyBack Programme at the EKPF event, as the idea originally emerged from a discussion with kidney patient associations during a d.HOLIDAY conference a few years ago. Having them in the room when the programme was presented made the moment especially significant.
Reflecting on the event, Elenor said: “The EKPF Annual Summit has become one of the key dates in the d.HOLIDAY calendar – a time when we meet kidney patient associations from across Europe, share knowledge and identify synergies to continue growing the d.HOLIDAY programme. Our shared goal is to empower more patients to be mobile and to experience the freedom of travelling.
It is always inspiring to hear about the different initiatives and projects they are running for patients and their loved ones. This year felt particularly special, as I was able to share the news about the expansion of the Fly Back Programme – something they have been asking for and that directly responds to their needs.
A big congratulations to EKPF and its President, Daniel Gallego, for yet another successful annual summit.”
The summit also welcomed high-profile attendees from across the European kidney community, including Giuseppe Vanacore, President of ANED, the Italian National Association of Haemodialysis, Dialysis and Transplant Patients. Their presence underlined the importance of collaboration between patient associations and care providers, creating a valuable opportunity to deepen dialogue and build partnership that will help shape the future of kidney care.
