About 13.3% of Ghanaians Living with Chronic Kidney Disease – Study

A recent study has revealed that approximately 13.3 percent of Ghanaians are living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), raising concerns about a growing public health challenge in the country.

The findings indicate that a significant number of those affected are unaware of their condition, largely because the disease develops gradually and often shows no symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage.

Health experts warn that this lack of early detection is contributing to late hospital reporting, with more than 75 percent of patients seeking medical care only when the disease has progressed significantly, limiting treatment options and increasing costs.

Contrary to common belief that kidney disease mainly affects the elderly, specialists say an increasing number of young people in Ghana are being diagnosed with the condition. Cases among individuals in their 20s and 30s are becoming more frequent, highlighting a shift in the disease’s demographic impact.

Medical professionals attribute the rise in CKD cases to lifestyle-related factors such as poor diet, excessive salt intake, alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of physical activity. These habits contribute to conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which are leading causes of kidney disease.

Experts are calling for increased public awareness, regular health screenings, and lifestyle changes to curb the growing burden. Early detection, they emphasize, is key to preventing complications and reducing the financial and emotional strain on families.

The study adds to mounting evidence that kidney disease is becoming a major non-communicable health issue in Ghana, requiring urgent attention from policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public alike.