Kidney disease is spreading rapidly worldwide, emerging as a major public health crisis as treatment costs continue to rise, experts warn. According to international health organizations, around 850 million people globally suffer from some form of kidney disease, making it one of the world’s largest silent killers.
The Global Burden of Disease Study reports that between 1.4 and 1.5 million people die from kidney disease each year, placing it among the leading causes of death worldwide. Experts caution that without timely preventive measures and expanded treatment, the global burden of kidney disease will continue to grow.
Some studies predict that by 2050, kidney disease could become the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. Specialists cite diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyles as major risk factors. Health authorities stress the importance of regular health checkups and awareness campaigns to help prevent the disease.
World Kidney Day is observed annually on the second Thursday of March. In Bangladesh, it is being observed on Thursday, in line with the rest of the world. This year’s theme, “Kidney Health for All – Caring for People, Protecting the Planet,” highlights the connection between kidney health and environmental factors such as pollution and extreme heat.
In Bangladesh, the prevalence of kidney disease is also alarming. Around 38 million people are estimated to suffer from some form of kidney disease, while approximately 80,000 patients require dialysis each year.
Dr Mir Rashedul Hasan, a kidney transplant and dialysis specialist at the National Institute of Kidney Diseases and Urology Hospital, said that 22.48% of the Bangladeshi population are affected by kidney disease, with the number rising rapidly. Each year, around 30,000 to 40,000 new cases are reported.
He said the major causes include diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, and kidney-specific diseases such as glomerulonephritis. Other contributing factors include the long-term overuse of painkillers, environmental pollution, and multi-system disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can eventually lead to kidney failure.
Dr Hasan said the two primary causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, noting that patients often remain unaware of the condition until nearly 75% of kidney function has already been lost.
Early warning signs include reduced urine output, nausea, swelling, newly developed high blood pressure, weakness, shortness of breath, anemia, and persistent itching.
To prevent kidney disease, he advised maintaining a healthy lifestyle, controlling diabetes and blood pressure, avoiding unnecessary medications and junk food, refraining from smoking, and undergoing regular health checkups. Patients already diagnosed with kidney disease should consult a specialist every three to six months.
He added that lifestyle changes, proper management of blood pressure and diabetes, avoiding excessive salt intake, limiting unnecessary pain or gastric medications, controlling body weight, and undergoing regular checkups are key preventive measures.
Patients with chronic kidney disease at stage five require renal replacement therapy, including dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Currently, dialysis costs Tk610 per session in government hospitals, although availability remains limited. In private setups within government hospitals, each session costs around Tk3,500. In private hospitals, patients undergoing dialysis twice a week may spend between Tk5,000 and Tk10,000 weekly, placing a significant financial burden on families.
Dr Hasan warned that kidney disease in Bangladesh is gradually turning into an epidemic, with climate change and environmental pollution emerging as additional risk factors.
At a government kidney hospital, Marzia Akter shared her experience, saying her 24-year-old son, Riyad, has been suffering from kidney disease since 2022. So far, the family has spent around Tk500,000 to Tk600,000 on private treatment, forcing them to pause treatment midway due to financial constraints. Riyad now requires two dialysis sessions each week, currently costing Tk3,500 per session, compared to Tk610 previously.
Dr Hasan said the government has introduced initiatives to support dialysis treatment, allowing patients to receive services at private hospitals by paying Tk600 per session, with the government covering the remaining cost. He said the measure could significantly improve access to kidney treatment.
Professor Dr Md Nazrul Islam, convener of the Bangladesh Renal Association, said raising public awareness remains the most effective way to prevent kidney disease.
He said people should avoid adulterated food, maintain a healthy weight, and keep high blood pressure and diabetes under control.
Marking World Kidney Day, Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) has organized a special rally on Thursday to raise public awareness about the risks and prevention of kidney disease.
