Chronic kidney disease rates rise globally and impact Nigeria

A global study published in the Chinese Medical Journal reveals that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rising significantly among women, with an estimated 359 million cases reported in 2021. This represents a 90.65% increase since 1990. The rise is largely attributed to metabolic risk factors, with diabetic kidney disease accounting for approximately 16% of cases and one-third of CKD-related deaths.

In Nigeria, Professor Fatiu Arogundade has identified the condition as a major public health epidemic. Based on a review of peer-reviewed studies, it is estimated that approximately 25.4 million Nigerian adults may be living with overt or covert CKD. Unlike in developed nations where the disease typically affects older populations, CKD in Nigeria shows a distinctive pattern of affecting individuals between the ages of 20 and 50.

Leading causes in Nigeria include hypertension and glomerulonephritis, with additional contributions from diabetes, HIV-associated nephropathy, and sickle cell disease. Environmental factors, such as high hydrocarbon exposure, have also been linked to increased risks of developing the disease.