India’s CKD Burden in 2023
According to a global study published in The Lancet, India accounted for the second-highest number of people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 2023, with an estimated 138 million individuals affected. This finding places India just behind China, which reported about 152 million cases. While these numbers are staggering, they reflect broader trends in chronic disease and the health systems that manage long‑term conditions.
Place in the Global Health Landscape
Chronic kidney disease is a growing global health challenge, driven by rising rates of diabetes and hypertension, aging populations, and environmental factors. The Lancet analysis highlights CKD as a leading cause of years lived with disability and marks it as a significant contributor to mortality worldwide. In 2023, CKD stood among the top non-communicable diseases impacting public health and health care resources across many nations, including India.
Why India Faces a High CKD Toll
Several factors contribute to India’s CKD burden. Increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and hypertension, limited early screening in some regions, and unequal access to affordable renal care all play a role. The Lancet study’s findings underscore the need for proactive screening, early diagnosis, and sustained treatment options to slow progression and reduce complications for people living with CKD in India.
Impact on Health Outcomes and Deaths
Beyond prevalence, CKD is a major public health concern because it can lead to kidney failure and is a contributor to overall mortality. The Lancet report notes that CKD is a substantial cause of death in the global context, ranking as the ninth-leading cause of death in its analysis. This emphasizes the disease’s severity and the urgency of improving prevention, diagnosis, and management strategies.
What This Means for Policy and Action
Policymakers and health care providers can take several steps to address the CKD burden in India and similar settings:
- Scale up community-based screening for diabetes, hypertension, and kidney function to identify at-risk individuals early.
- Improve access to affordable diagnostic tests and renal care, including dialysis and transplant services where appropriate.
- Promote lifestyle interventions and public health campaigns targeting diabetes and high blood pressure to prevent CKD.
- Strengthen data collection and research to monitor trends and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
Taking a Patient-Centered Approach
For people living with CKD, timely care can slow disease progression and improve quality of life. This involves coordinated care across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, patient education about diet and medications, and support services to manage comorbid conditions. The Lancet study’s global lens should serve as a catalyst for comprehensive CKD programs that are tailored to local contexts in India.
Conclusion
The Lancet’s findings that India has the second-highest CKD burden in 2023 illuminate a pressing health challenge that demands integrated action. By prioritizing early detection, equitable access to renal care, and prevention strategies targeting diabetes and hypertension, India can curb CKD’s impact and improve health outcomes for millions of its citizens.
