LA ISLA FOUNDATION INC

To understand the physiological causes of the disease and improve working conditions within affected industries to ameliorate the progression, and identified risk factors for the disease. Through quantifiable research into the causes of CKDu; implementation of mitigations of known contributors to the disease (dehydration, heat stress, and exhaustion); initiation of policy changes and awareness at the governmental and corporate level; and promotion of human rights, we will save lives and bring an end to this epidemic. Currently, our main focus is putting CKDu on the map so appropriate impact, burden and needs can be assessed and therefore appropriate response coordinated. We are doing this via the DEGREE Initiative, a global prevalence study, and mapping project.

La Isla Network takes its name from the community where we first encountered the CKDu epidemic in Nicaragua, “La Isla De Viudas" (“The Island of Widows“), a place so devastated by CKDu it is defined by those left behind. CKDu is a global challenge affecting the most vulnerable populations. Our network of researchers, communicators, and investigators is committed to addressing it.

Together we are generating, supporting, and executing evidence-driven solutions to end the fatal CKDu epidemic by understanding the scale and impact of the disease and its causes. In the process, we are improving working conditions and supporting the creation and enforcement of policies required to protect those affected.

We are achieving this via: 1.dentifying who are affected and where via the DEGREE Initiative. This initiative facilitates prevalence studies to identify and compare CKDu occurrence worldwide and is also helping to build the map to understand what regions, economic sectors and populations are impacted. 2.Intervening using the precautionary principle. Today we are working with the sugar industry to improve work practices to protect health, while also maintaining efficiency via the WE Program and the Adelante Initiative. 3.Researching the underlying causes by supporting our colleagues in conducting, managing and raising funds for research initiatives with researchers from leading institutions like London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Lund University, Stanford University and others. 4.Communicating to the general public and important actors in supply chains while pushing for data-driven policy on the public and private level. We make sure no one forgets the stories of those affected via award-winning original content and coordination with leading journalists.

La Isla has both the network and the experience to address CKDu, as well as a track record of success. Our team has backgrounds in law, medicine and public health, and a network of researchers and advocates from leading institutions and universities dedicated to this issue. We have excellent insight via a highly qualified scientific advisory board, and our insights and experience are sought by governments, industry, and researchers worldwide who are committed to understanding and addressing CKDu.

La Isla Foundation, now operating as La Isla Network to reflect our global reach, has been at the forefront of both domestic and international advocacy around the CKDu epidemic. In 10 years, this epidemic has gone from being a silent menace killing farmworkers across Central America to being on the radar of major institutions across the globe, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Our Public Health team continues to partner with prestigious research institutions to identify the root cause of this epidemic while also investigating how to improve quality and access to care for those who are sick. We are using new research findings to begin offering access to both health education and improved working conditions for those who are at-risk of CKDu. Our communications & media team has moved this harrowing epidemic from the shadows to the cover of the New York Times, coverage in the Guardian, VICE, NBC, NPR, Univision, and numerous other media outlets. LIN has a robust communications strategy that includes a continually updated website, Facebook presence, Twitter, etc. For as long as this epidemic continues, LIN will rely on Communications & Media to call the world's attention to this tragic situation.