The Growing Burden of Kidney Disease: What You Need to Know

Dear Readers,

Kidney disease is a global health challenge that often goes unnoticed until it's too late. It occurs when the kidneys, which filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, become damaged and lose their ability to function efficiently. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progresses through five stages, from mild damage in the early stages to kidney failure in stage 5, where dialysis or a transplant becomes necessary to sustain life.

Alarming Trends:

In Africa, the burden of kidney disease is growing rapidly. Due to poor access to early diagnostics and treatment, many patients are diagnosed in the later stages when options are limited. According to the Global Kidney Health Atlas, Africa has some of the highest rates of kidney disease progression, yet only 1–2 dialysis centers per million people in some regions. This starkly contrasts with higher-income countries where treatment is more accessible.

Why Kidney Health Matters:

Limited access to dialysis and kidney transplants in many African countries is exacerbated by policy challenges, lack of funding, and inadequate infrastructure. The current trend means that kidney disease can be a death sentence if preventative measures are not taken early. Therefore, we must protect our kidneys through regular health check-ups, controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive use of medications that harm the kidneys.

Stages of Kidney Disease:

1. Stage 1: Mild kidney damage, with normal or high kidney function.
2. Stage 2: Kidney function is mildly reduced.
3. Stage 3: Moderate reduction in kidney function.
4. Stage 4: Severe reduction in kidney function.
5. Stage 5: End-stage renal disease (ESRD), where dialysis or a kidney transplant is required.

Common Causes of Kidney Disease:

• Diabetes: The leading cause of CKD globally.
• High Blood Pressure: Damages the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their filtering ability.
• Lifestyle Changes: Dietary preferences have shifted from healthier, indigenous foods to more processed, high-sodium, and high-sugar foods, which increase the risk of kidney damage.
• Infections and Glomerulonephritis: Especially prevalent in lower-income regions.
• Poor Diagnostics: In many regions, kidney disease remains undiagnosed in its early stages due to a lack of access to early diagnostics.
• Genetic Disorders: Such as polycystic kidney disease.
• Toxins and Medications: Prolonged use of certain drugs can lead to kidney damage.

What’s Next:

This newsletter and my posts will provide regular updates and deeper insights into kidney disease. We will explore prevention strategies, treatment options, and policy changes needed to improve kidney-health in Africa. Join me in this journey as we focus on safeguarding one of the most vital organs in the body – our kidneys.

Let’s prioritize prevention and push for better policies in kidney health. Stay tuned for more!

Yours in health,

Verena Achick-Muyu,

The Health Evangelist