Chronic kidney disease, now the ninth-leading global cause of death, affected nearly 800 million adults in 2023, with most cases undiagnosed and preventable.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affected nearly 800 million adults worldwide in 2023, more than double the 1990 figure, and is now the ninth-leading cause of death globally, responsible for nearly 1.5 million deaths. The disease, linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and poor diet, contributes to about 12% of global cardiovascular deaths. India had 138 million cases, second only to China, with high prevalence in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. Most cases remain undiagnosed in early stages, highlighting the need for broader screening and prevention. Despite being largely preventable, CKD receives less policy attention than other non-communicable diseases, especially in low- and middle-income regions with limited access to dialysis and transplant care.