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Kidney disease is a growing concern worldwide, and Bangladesh is no exception. Last Thursday, Bangladesh featured among the countries that participated in the World Kidney Day awareness programme. Its theme 'Kidney Health for All - Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice' aimed to raise awareness of kidney health and kidney disease prevention.
In recent years, there has been an alarming proliferation of kidney disease in Bangladesh. It is estimated that there are 38 million kidney patients nationwide, with 40 to 50 thousand deaths occurring annually from the ailment. The treatment of kidney disease, unfortunately, is prohibitively expensive that only a few can afford. This results in the majority of patients succumbing to the disease without receiving proper care.
These grim statistics are reinforced by findings from a study conducted by the Department of Nephrology at Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College. According to the study, 39 per cent of kidney patients discontinue dialysis after a few sessions due to the steep financial cost, leading to an increase in the mortality rate. The Kidney Foundation of Bangladesh reports over 50 patients die daily from kidney-related complications.
Statistics from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) also offer no respite. They say the death rate has doubled between 2021 and 2022. In light of these alarming circumstances, it is imperative that awareness about kidney disease is effectively raised and preventive measures are established. Death from kidney disease is preventable if detected early, and proper treatment is given. Lack of essential services, however, has contributed considerably to the alarming death rate among kidney patients.
To prevent becoming a victim, it is crucial to understand the causes of kidney disease and take preventive actions. Experts attribute the increasing number of kidney patients to factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, consumption of adulterated food, smoking, excessive use of antibiotics, and painkillers. Practicing good hygiene and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are also essential for preventing the disease. While some factors are beyond the citizens' control, others, such as smoking and the consumption of fast food or junk food, are made by individual choices that willpower can change. It is advisable to know and crucial to heed warning signs in this regard.
Urbanisation and modernisation bring their own challenges to public health, as cramped living conditions and diminishing opportunities for physical exercise contribute to the development of heart diseases. The disappearance of parks and playgrounds in urban areas limits avenues for physical activity, leaving little room for citizens to engage in healthy exercise routines.
Addressing the root causes of heart diseases requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses individual behaviour change, governmental policy interventions, and improvements in healthcare infrastructure. While individuals can make conscious choices to adopt healthier lifestyles, government agencies must play a proactive role in regulating the food industry and promoting public awareness campaigns about the risks associated with unhealthy dietary habits.
Moreover, since around 85 per cent of kidney patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, experts say regular kidney screenings for individuals over 40 are essential for early detection and early treatment. Kidney disease awareness campaigns should target people from all walks of life.
Furthermore, the healthcare sector itself is not immune to challenges. Treatment options for kidney patients are not only expensive, but also mainly Dhaka-based and inadequate. Currently, only a quarter of kidney patients in the country have access to dialysis, highlighting the inadequate infrastructure and services.
At a recent roundtable discussion organized by the Kidney Awareness, Monitoring, and Prevention Society (KAMPS), participants called for increasing budgetary allocation to expand treatment facilities at affordable cost to reduce mortality rates.
In the end, prevention is always quintessentially better than cure, particularly in the case of Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKD), where treatment costs are exorbitant. Addressing the root causes of kidney and heart diseases requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses individual behaviour change, governmental policy interventions, and improvements in healthcare infrastructure. By addressing the root causes of the disease, its prevalence can be effectively reduced. Kidney disease doesn't have to be a death sentence.