On behalf of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis, I invite you to attend the 18th International Congress of the Society to be held in Cape Town from September 28 through October 3, 2026, the first Congress to be held in Africa.

The theme of the Congress is “Integration: PD for Everyone, by Everyone, Everywhere”. This is a very fitting theme for our times. For way too long, peritoneal dialysis has been considered as a dialysis modality for some patients, by some nephrologists, for some period of time. As such, the therapy has been much less available to patients with kidney failure than in-center hemodialysis. Yet, experiences worldwide belie that perception of the therapy. Clinical outcomes with PD in countries with “PD first” public policies, such as in Hong Kong and Thailand, are comparable to or better than seen with in-center hemodialysis. Rapid expansion in access with “PD-favored” public policies, such as in the United States, has been remarkably successful, effective and safe. Moreover, the simplicity of the therapy could make kidney replacement treatment available to millions worldwide that presently don’t have such access.

We welcome the full range of health professionals to participate in the Congress. The program is geared to serve the entire multidisciplinary team involved in the care of patients undergoing PD around the world – physicians, advanced health practitioners, nurses, dietitians, and social workers. I look forward to seeing you in Cape Town.

Raj Mehotra
ISPD President