Tackling chronic kidney disease in Nepal: from evidence to action

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a significant burden in Nepal. We reviewed the epidemiology of CKD in Nepal and proposed strategies to mitigate its burden. A nationwide survey of non-communicable diseases in 2019 reported CKD prevalence of 6.2% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 5.7–6.6%). Further, we found that the age-standardized prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Nepal grew by 0.11% (95% uncertainty interval, [UI]: 0.10–0.11%) per annum between 1990 and 2021. Despite the high burden (10,887.7 prevalent CKD per 100,000 population), the country only has 56 nephrologists and 60 hemodialysis centers, the majority of which are located in the country’s capital, serving only 15% of the population. CKD requires multi-component interventions that address the diverse causes and pathological expressions of the disease. Integrating interventions across the care continuum, such as health education and literacy, screening, lifestyle modifications, and improved access to renal replacement therapies, can enhance effective coverage and scalability of care. Additionally, it is crucial to explore and address disparities in access to CKD treatment, including gender and socioeconomic disparities.