Kidney experts call for early detection, stronger primary care
Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) marked World Kidney Day 2026 with a high-profile awareness rally on Thursday, 12 March, rallying stakeholders behind the theme: "Healthy kidneys for all, save the Earth for the sake of the people."
The rally commenced from BMU's B Block and proceeded through various parts of the campus. Prof Dr Md Nazrul Islam, convener of the Bangladesh Renal Association, inaugurated the event.
Attendees included Member Secretary Dr Md Farhad Hasan Chowdhury, Treasurer Dr Md Abdul Mukit, Organising Secretary Dr Md Rezaul Alam, Joint Convener Dr Shahnewaz Dewan, and Associate Professor Dr Mezbah Uddin Noman.
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A seminar at Shaheed Dr Milton Hall emphasised the need for increased public awareness, early detection and screening, enhanced kidney services in primary healthcare, and greater advocacy for kidney transplantation—including posthumous donation.
Speakers highlighted that kidney disease often develops silently and is compounded by delayed diagnosis and treatment. While treatment remains costly, diagnosis is comparatively straightforward and affordable, warranting greater focus.
A simple urine test can facilitate early identification of kidney disease. Expanding diagnostic capabilities to sub-centres, upazila health complexes, district hospitals, medical colleges and diabetic care centres would enable easier early detection and more effective treatment.
Speakers noted that implementing universal healthcare—as announced by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who assumed office on 17 February 2026—could significantly advance the prevention, early detection and treatment of kidney disease.
In his address, Prof Dr Md Nazrul Islam underscored the critical role of public awareness in preventing kidney disease. He advised the public to avoid adulterated food, maintain healthy weight, and manage hypertension and diabetes effectively.
Speakers referenced a 2019 systematic review indicating that 22.48% of Bangladesh's population is affected by kidney disease—an estimated 38.2 million people—with prevalence rising rapidly.
Each year, 30,000 to 40,000 people develop kidney failure in Bangladesh, and approximately 80% of new patients die due to lack of treatment. Kidney disease now ranks as the eighth leading cause of death, potentially rising to fifth by 2040, posing a major public health challenge.
Ahead of World Kidney Day, a mobile open-top awareness vehicle was launched at BMU on 8 March. A separate public awareness discussion took place on 11 March at the National Institute of Kidney Diseases and Urology, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
