23/11/2025
⚠️ 788 million people now have chronic kidney disease
A global kidney crisis is unfolding, with chronic kidney disease (CKD) now affecting an estimated 788 million people—double the number in 1990—according to a major new study in The Lancet.
Often called a "silent killer," CKD progresses slowly and without obvious symptoms, meaning many people don’t realize they’re sick until their kidneys are in severe decline.
Once function drops too far, patients need dialysis or a transplant to survive—treatments that are out of reach for millions, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
The study found that 14% of the world’s adults now live with some form of CKD, and the condition was linked to 12% of all cardiovascular deaths in 2023. Its rise is fueled by global health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity—conditions that are growing alongside aging populations.
Although new drugs can slow damage and reduce heart risks, early detection remains rare. In many regions, even simple urine tests aren’t standard practice. As cases continue to rise, the need for better screening and broader access to care is urgent.
Source: Global, regional, and national burden of chronic kidney disease in adults, 1990–2023, and its attributable risk factors: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023. The Lancet, 2025.
