India is facing a growing public health challenge, with 138 million people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 2023 — the second-highest figure worldwide, just behind China’s 152 million, according to a new global study published in The Lancet.
The research, led by scientists from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington along with partners from the US and UK, highlights CKD as the ninth leading cause of death globally, claiming nearly 1.5 million lives last year.The study found that the highest CKD prevalence was observed in North Africa and the Middle East (18%), followed by South Asia (16%), and Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America (15%). In India and other South Asian countries, rising rates of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are key contributors to this growing burden.
Chronic kidney disease plays a major role in worsening cardiovascular health — responsible for nearly 12% of heart-related deaths globally in 2023. It now ranks as the seventh leading cause of cardiovascular mortality, surpassing even diabetes and obesity, the study noted.
Researchers identified 14 major risk factors for CKD, with diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity leading the list. Poor dietary habits — including low fruit and vegetable intake and high salt consumption — were also found to significantly increase the risk.
Most CKD patients remain in the early stages of the disease, underscoring the need for early screening programmes and public health strategies to manage risk factors. The study emphasized that limited access to dialysis and kidney transplants continues to deepen health inequities across regions.
Experts recommend expanding affordable diagnostic facilities, improving public awareness, and prioritizing preventive healthcare to slow disease progression. Strengthening access to treatment and addressing lifestyle-related risk factors will be critical to reducing the global and national burden of CKD.
As India continues to battle rising cases of diabetes and hypertension, experts warn that tackling CKD must become a national health priority — not only to save lives but also to relieve the mounting strain on healthcare systems.