The number of people with reduced kidney function has doubled from 378 million in 1990 to 788 million in 2023. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is now among the top 10 causes of death globally, driven by aging and expanding populations.
Approximately 14% of adults worldwide have CKD, and an estimated 1.5 million died from the disease in 2023—a 6% increase in deaths since 1993 after adjusting for population age differences. CKD also ranks as the 12th leading cause of disability-related life quality reduction.
Disease Links and Risk Factors
Impaired kidney function contributes to about 12% of global cardiovascular deaths. High blood sugar, hypertension, and obesity are key risk factors fueling CKD development and progression.
Early Detection and Treatment Gaps
Most affected individuals are in early stages where symptoms may be absent but intervention is critical to prevent dialysis or transplantation. However, access to advanced therapies remains limited in low-income regions including parts of sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
New Treatments and Policy Focus
Recent medications can slow CKD progression and reduce heart disease risk, but widespread availability and early diagnosis lag globally. World Health Organization (WHO) added CKD to its health priorities aiming to reduce early deaths from noncommunicable diseases by a third by 2030.
Q&A Section
Q: How prevalent is chronic kidney disease globally?
A: Nearly 788 million people have CKD worldwide as of 2023.
Q: What is the impact of CKD on mortality?
A: CKD caused about 1.5 million deaths in 2023 and is a leading contributor to cardiovascular mortality.
Q: What are the main risk factors for CKD?
A: High blood sugar, high blood pressure, and obesity are the primary risk factors.
Q: Why is early detection important?
A: Early treatment can prevent severe progression requiring dialysis or transplant.
FAQ
What is chronic kidney disease?
A condition where kidneys gradually lose function, impairing waste removal and fluid balance.
How significant is CKD as a public health concern?
It is one of the fastest growing causes of death and disability worldwide.
What are the challenges in CKD treatment access?
High costs and limited dialysis/transplant availability affect low-income regions disproportionately.
What steps can reduce CKD burden globally?
Improved early screening, wider treatment access, and managing risk factors like diabetes and hypertension.
This comprehensive study led by researchers at NYU Langone Health, University of Glasgow, and IHME highlights a growing kidney disease epidemic demanding urgent global health action. Coordinated efforts for early detection, wider treatment availability, and preventive policies are vital to combat this silent but deadly public health threat.
