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India Faces Alarming Surge in Chronic Kidney Disease, a Leading Cause of Death
14 Nov
Summary
- Chronic kidney disease now 9th leading cause of death globally
- India has world's 2nd highest number of CKD patients at 138 million
- Experts call for urgent action on screening and public awareness
According to a recent Lancet study led by the University of Glasgow, chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as the 9th leading cause of death globally, responsible for 1.48 million lives annually. This growing crisis is particularly acute in India, which as of 2025 had the world's second-highest number of CKD patients, with an estimated 138 million adults affected.
Health experts note that CKD has become a major public health concern in India, mirroring worrying global trends. The Global Burden of Disease 2023 study reveals that CKD cases have surged worldwide over the past three decades, with the number of people living with the condition rising from 378 million in 1990 to 788 million in 2023. South Asia, including India, has one of the highest adult CKD prevalence rates at 15.8%.
Compounding the issue, CKD's early stages often present no symptoms, meaning many Indians may remain unaware of their condition until it progresses. Researchers are now urging urgent action to improve prevention, detection, and public awareness of this "silent" disease. Implementing routine CKD screening programs and boosting awareness can help catch the condition sooner, when treatments are most effective at slowing its advancement.
