DAR ES SALAAM: CHRONIC Kidney Disease (CKD) is increasingly threatening younger adults, with kidney specialists issuing a stark warning that those under 50 face a significantly heightened risk compared to older populations.
Experts attribute the surge in CKD among younger adults primarily to poor lifestyle habits. CKD is a progressive condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function properly over time, a health problem that is exacerbated by factors like inadequate physical activity and unhealthy diets.
Dr Jonathan Mngumi, a Nephrologist at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), said that urban populations, with their reliance on processed foods, are particularly vulnerable.
As kidney function declines, waste and toxins accumulate, disrupting overall health.
“People can still enjoy their favourite foods in moderation, but they should try adding fruits and vegetables to their daily meals to support proper kidney function,” he told journalists in an event to mark World Kidney Day.
Beyond diet and exercise, proper hydration is also critical.
Dr Mngumi added that another factor driving the increase in kidney patients is poor water intake, especially among people living in airconditioned environments.
“If someone lives in such environments, they should make an effort to drink at least one and a half litres of water a day, aside from the recommended three litres, depending on body weight, to help protect their kidneys,” he advised.
The burden of CKD is evident in the sheer number of patients requiring treatment. Divulging figures on patients undergoing dialysis at the national hospital, Dr Mngumi revealed that approximately 2,000 patients receive dialysis at the facility every month.
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“This is a very high number, representing a significant strain on the hospital’s resources, and the number of patients keeps increasing every day. That’s why we stress the importance of regular health check-ups to help reduce CKD cases,” he said.
He added, “Early detection of any kidney issues helps ensure timely treatment, increasing the chances of recovery, as kidney diseases are treatable,” Dr Mngumi further clarified that patients diagnosed at stages 1, 2 and 3 can receive treatment and recover completely, while those in stages 4 and 5 often require dialysis or kidney transplants.
This year’s theme, “Are your kidneys healthy? Know early, protect your kidneys,” aims to encourage widespread kidney screening so that many people can get help in the early stages.
On her side, Acting Deputy Executive Director of MNH, Dr Faraja Chiwanga, who is also the Director of Medical Services, said community education is crucial.
“The main goal of commemorating this day is to continue educating the community about kidney health, including the best ways to prevent CKD, which are considered a major public health threat,” she said.
To further amplify this message, MNH organised training for secondary school headteachers in Dar es Salaam and police officers from the Police Academy (DPA).
“We hope that these teachers will be able to pass on this knowledge to their students, building a foundation for good kidney health from a young age. They will become ambassadors and key advocates for kidney health within their families, communities, and even their workplaces,” Dr Chiwanga said.
Dr Hussein Mavumba, Chairperson of Dar es Salaam Secondary School Headteachers expressed gratitude for the training.
“Receiving this education on kidney health will help us pass the knowledge to our students, who will, in turn, share it with the wider community. In this way, we can help more Tanzanians understand the importance of kidney screening,” he said.
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