Experts Warn: Early Detection Crucial as Kidney Disease Cases Rise in Bangladesh
Kidney specialists have warned that failure to detect kidney disease at an early stage can cause severe harm to patients. The warning was issued on Sunday, March 8, during the inauguration of a kidney disease awareness mobile open-roof vehicle organized ahead of World Kidney Day 2026 at the B Block courtyard of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU—formerly PG Hospital).
Speakers noted that, according to a systematic review of eight studies published in 2019, the prevalence of kidney disease in Bangladesh is 22.48 percent. If this figure is applied to the country’s 170 million population, the estimated number of kidney patients would be around 38.2 million, and the figure is rising rapidly. Various studies indicate that the number of kidney patients has nearly doubled over the past decade. In this growing epidemic, 30,000 to 40,000 people suffer kidney failure every year. Given the current capacity of Bangladesh’s healthcare system, only 15 to 20 percent of these new patients receive treatment such as transplants, dialysis, and other therapies. This means that around 80 percent of patients die due to lack of adequate treatment or without receiving any treatment at all.
The speakers also highlighted that the rise in kidney disease is not limited to Bangladesh. More than 850 million people worldwide currently suffer from kidney disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), kidney disease ranked 27th as a cause of death two decades ago. It has now risen to eighth place, and by 2040 it is projected to become the fifth leading cause of death, a development that experts say is deeply concerning.
The program was inaugurated by Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Convener of the Bangladesh Renal Association. Among those present were Associate Professor Dr. Mejbah Uddin Noman of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital and Joint Convener of the association, Dr. Shahnewaz Dewan, Member Secretary Dr. Md. Farhad Hasan Chowdhury, Treasurer Dr. Md. Abdul Mukit, and Organizing Secretary Dr. Md. Rezaul Alam, among others.
Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Convener of the Bangladesh Renal Association, said that kidney disease is a silent killer and urged people to undergo regular kidney check-ups even before symptoms appear. He emphasized that treatments such as dialysis and kidney transplantation are extremely expensive, placing a heavy financial burden on families. “Therefore, kidney disease should be detected at the earliest stage. If identified early, the disease can be treated and controlled,” he said. He added that public awareness is essential to prevent kidney disease, which is why the kidney disease awareness mobile open-roof vehicle has been launched. He also advised people to avoid adulterated food, maintain a healthy weight, and keep high blood pressure and diabetes under control.
Member Secretary Dr. Md. Farhad Hasan Chowdhury said that the number of kidney patients has doubled over the past decade. He noted that when patients visit doctors with symptoms of kidney disease, nearly one-third of their kidney function has already been lost, making treatment and control more difficult. Therefore, he advised that people should undergo kidney tests at least once a year. Simple tests such as Urine R/E and creatinine, which cost between Tk 200 and Tk 300, can help determine whether there is any kidney-related problem. He stressed the need for greater public awareness on this issue.
Other speakers said that the kidneys are among the most vital organs of the human body. Waste and harmful substances produced through metabolism are filtered and removed through urine by the kidneys. To promote kidney health and provide support for kidney patients, World Kidney Day has been observed worldwide on the second Thursday of March since 2006, through a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF). The theme for this year is: “Healthy Kidneys for All—Protect the Planet by Caring for People.”
DBTech/MNI/MUM/OR
