Global Kidney Disease Surges to 800 Million, Redefining Public Health Priority

A Global Burden of Disease 2023 analysis published in The Lancet finds chronic kidney disease affects about 14% of adults worldwide—roughly 788 million people in 2023—pushing CKD into the top 10 causes of death and making it a major driver of cardiovascular disease. Most cases are early, so early detection and access to treatments (dialysis, transplantation, and newer kidney‑protective therapies) are crucial, yet access remains uneven in low‑income regions. The study calls for expanded screening and better treatment access to slow progression and reduce heart‑related risk as CKD policies gain global prominence.