# Rising kidney disease trends and health risks in Vietnam

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rising-kidney-disease-trends-in-vietnam
> Updated: 2026-09-30T16:31:32.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 4.

Medical officials in Vietnam have reported a significant rise in chronic kidney disease, affecting over 10 million people. Experts have identified a concerning trend of kidney failure among young adults in their late teens and early 20s, often requiring dialysis or transplants.

Health professionals attribute this increase to improved screening, clinical issues such as glomerulonephritis, and lifestyle factors including sedentary habits, fast food consumption, and exposure to unregulated chemicals. Dietary habits remain a primary concern; Dr. Bui Thi Thuy from the Institute of Nutrition notes that consuming entire broths in traditional dishes like pho or bun can lead to excessive salt intake. While average daily salt consumption in Vietnam decreased from 9.4g in 2015 to 8.1g in 2023, it remains approximately 1.6 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommendation of less than 5g per day. Experts advise managing sugar intake and using plain water for hydration, noting that while moderate caffeine may be linked to lower risks, excessive intake can raise blood pressure.

Furthermore, medical leaders are highlighting the increased vulnerability of patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetes to infectious diseases. Research indicates these conditions increase the risk of shingles and the severity of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections. Associate Professor Nguyen Khoa Dieu Van of the Vietnam Association of Endocrinology and Diabetes has stated that vaccination should be viewed as an essential “immune shield,” as critical as managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipids, especially as Vietnam’s elderly population is projected to reach 18 million by 2030.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: Vietnam medical experts urge vaccination for diabetes and kidney disease patients

Medical experts warn that patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease in Vietnam face higher risks of infectious diseases like shingles and RSV, emphasizing vaccination as a critical preventive measure.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-medical-experts-urge-vaccination-for-diabetes-and-kidney-disease-patients

### 2026-09-26: Dietary habits in Vietnam linked to high sodium and kidney health risks

Health experts warn that common habits, such as consuming all the broth in noodle soups, contribute to high sodium intake in Vietnam, increasing risks of hypertension and kidney issues.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dietary-habits-in-vietnam-linked-to-high-sodium-and-kidney-health-risks

### 2026-09-16: Hypertension cases in Vietnam lead to kidney failure and rare tumor diagnosis

Medical reports from Vietnam highlight two severe cases of hypertension: a 25-year-old facing kidney failure due to untreated high blood pressure, and a pregnant woman diagnosed with a rare renal tumor.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hypertension-cases-in-vietnam-lead-to-kidney-failure-and-rare-tumor-diagnosis

### 2026-09-15: Vietnam reports rising chronic kidney disease in young adults

Medical experts in Vietnam report a rising trend of chronic kidney disease among young adults aged 18-20, driven by lifestyle factors, clinical conditions, and improved screening.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-reports-rising-chronic-kidney-disease-in-young-adults

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Cite as: Rising kidney disease trends and health risks in Vietnam. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rising-kidney-disease-trends-in-vietnam