Kidney Disease in South Africa: Uncovering the Silent Epidemic

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a growing concern worldwide, especially in countries like South Africa. Many people don't find out they have it until it's severe. We looked into how common and how quickly it progresses in South Africa using some data from the National Health Laboratory Service. The study used a group of people who had creatinine tests, which help detect kidney problems. These tests were done in public healthcare facilities across the country. The results showed that a significant number of adults had kidney disease, and it was often not picked up early. This is a big issue because early detection and treatment can slow down the disease. In South Africa, late detection is common, particularly in low-income areas. This highlights the need for better screening programs and more awareness about kidney health. One surprising finding was that even though many people knew they had kidney issues, not all of them were getting the right treatment. This suggests that there might be gaps in the healthcare system that need to be addressed. Understanding the prevalence and progression of CKD is crucial for improving healthcare strategies. It's like a puzzle where each piece of information helps us see the bigger picture. By studying this, we can work towards better prevention and management of kidney disease.