The Associazione per il Bambino Nefropatico (Nephropathic Child Association) was founded back in 1978 by a small group of people from the economic and health world of Milan, who wanted to compensate for the lack of a service of Paediatric Nephrology and Dialysis in modern Milan.

In 1990, ABN received legal recognition from the Regione Lombardia (Region of Lombardy, and in 1998, it became an ONLUS (Non Profit Social Utility Organization). Today the association counts more than 6,500 contributors, thanks to whom the intended goals have been achieved.

ABN has created and cooperates with the Paediatric Nephrology and Dialysis Unit of the G&D De Marchi Paediatric Clinic of the IRCCS “Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico” Foundation. It helps children and their families by providing financial aid for them as well as the use of one apartment for the families living out of town.

Every year, ABN organises and finances holidays for children on dialysis. These children are accompanied and assisted by medical and nursing staff of the clinic. The holidays are organized at locations where National Health System dialysis beds are available.

The ABN has created the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, has renovated the G&D De Marchi Paediatric Clinic and has supported the establishment of the new Paediatric Urology Department. ABN finances the purchase of all types of equipment in support of departments created. It also funds research and scientific refresher courses in Italy and abroad and offers fellowships to young doctors and laboratory technicians.

The ABN also supports projects to ensure better assistance for children with severe nephropathy in Nicaragua, Central America.