Kidney specialists in Bangladesh have warned that failure to detect kidney disease early can lead to severe, often fatal, complications. Experts noted that due to the high cost of treatment, nearly 80% of patients die from untreated conditions or lack of access to care. They emphasized that annual kidney screening is crucial for early detection.
The warnings came during the inauguration of a mobile, open-roof awareness vehicle on Sunday at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), Bot-tola, marking the observance of World Kidney Day. Professor Dr Md. Nazrul Islam, convener of the Bangladesh Renal Association, inaugurated the vehicle, which will travel across the city for a week to raise awareness about kidney health.
Professor Dr Nazrul Islam described kidney disease as a “silent killer,” urging individuals to undergo regular check-ups even before symptoms appear. “Treatments such as dialysis and kidney transplants are extremely costly. Kidney care can be financially devastating for a family. That is why early detection is essential,” he said.
He added that identifying kidney disease at an early stage makes it treatable and controllable. With the number of patients rising daily, public awareness is critical. “This mobile awareness initiative aims to educate people about the importance of kidney health,” he noted.
Dr Md Farhad Hasan Chowdhury, secretary of the Bangladesh Renal Association, highlighted the rapid increase in kidney disease cases over the past decade. “By the time patients consult doctors with kidney-related symptoms, one-third of their kidney function is already lost. At this stage, treatment becomes more challenging. Simple annual tests like urine analysis and creatinine, costing only 200–300 BDT, can detect early kidney problems. Public awareness is key,” he said.
Other speakers underlined that kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste and toxins from the bloodstream. To promote kidney health, the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF) have observed World Kidney Day globally every second Thursday of March since 2006. This year’s theme is “Healthy Kidneys for Everyone, Care for Humanity.”
Experts cited a 2019 systematic review estimating that 22.48% of people in Bangladesh are affected by kidney disease. Extrapolated to the country’s population of 170 million, this suggests approximately 38.2 million people may be living with kidney disorders, a number that is rapidly increasing. Research indicates that 30,000–40,000 people develop kidney failure annually, while Bangladesh’s healthcare system can provide treatment—including dialysis and transplants—to only 15–20% of new patients. Consequently, nearly 80% of patients die without necessary care.
Kidney disease is not just a national concern; globally, over 850 million people are affected. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), kidney disease ranked 27th as a cause of death two decades ago, rising to eighth today, and is projected to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2040. Experts stressed that this trend requires urgent attention.
The inauguration was attended by co-conveners of the Bangladesh Renal Association and faculty members of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, including Associate Professor Dr. Mejbah Uddin Noman, Dr. Shahnewaz Dewan, Director Dr. Md. Abdul Mukit, and Organizational Secretary Dr. Md. Rezaul Alam.