Experts advocate for improved kidney dialysis in Tanzania
A person undergoing dialysis for a kidney condition. PHOTO | SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
What you need to know:
- Reports show that chronic kidney disease is increasingly becoming a major public health concern in Tanzania, affecting an estimated 7 percent to 15 percent of the adult population.
Dar es Salaam. The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Tanzania is growing at an alarming rate, prompting medical experts to call for urgent adoption of advanced dialysis technologies to reduce mortality.
Reports show that CKD is increasingly becoming a major public health concern in Tanzania, affecting an estimated 7 percent to 15 percent of the adult population.
The burden is particularly high in urban areas, where the prevalence reaches 15.2 percent compared to just 2.0 percent in rural regions.
Also read: Tanzania to review kidney dialysis cost
This disparity highlights the urgent need for improved treatment strategies, particularly for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where dialysis becomes a necessity.
According to a nephrologist and Vice President of the Nephrology Association of Tanzania (NASOT), kidney disease remains a serious health threat, with a rising number of patients requiring critical care interventions such as dialysis and transplants.
He emphasised that NASOT is stepping up efforts to mitigate the crisis through innovative and modern medical approaches.
Speaking during a recent nephrology conference, Prof Ruggajo, also the Associate Dean at the Aga Khan University pointed out that many Tanzanians suffer from undiagnosed kidney diseases, progressing silently until they reach end-stage renal failure.
At this stage, patients require either hemodialysis or a kidney transplant, yet access to these treatments remains limited due to cost and infrastructural constraints.
“High-volume hemodiafiltration (HDF) is a superior method compared to conventional hemodialysis because it significantly enhances toxin removal, balances chemical levels in the body, and improves patients’ overall well-being,” he stated.
The burden of CKD in Tanzania is growing due to increasing cases of hypertension and diabetes, both major risk factors for kidney disease. Current estimates indicate that between 7 to 10 percent of Tanzanians suffer from chronic kidney disease, placing them in different stages of the illness.
Without timely interventions, these patients progress to end-stage kidney failure, requiring expensive and lifelong treatment.
“Most kidney disease cases result from uncontrolled high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which are rising in sub-Saharan Africa,” said Prof Ruggajo.
According to projections, by 2030, 70 percent of CKD patients worldwide will be from sub-Saharan Africa, with Tanzania being one of the most affected countries.
Similarly, over 80 percent of global diabetes cases will be concentrated in this region, exacerbating the kidney disease crisis. Experts warn that unless modern treatment strategies are implemented, mortality rates will continue to surge.
The director of Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) and Senior Presidential Advisor on Health, Prof Mohamed Janabi, underscored the need for Tanzania to embrace new dialysis technologies.
He stressed that recent advancements, such as high-volume hemodiafiltration, offer a breakthrough in improving patient outcomes. “You (NASOT) have shed light on modern dialysis, including high-volume hemodiafiltration, which holds immense promise in improving the quality of life for our patients.”
Research shows that HDF, which combines hemodialysis and hemofiltration, effectively removes a wider range of toxins than traditional hemodialysis. This reduces cardiovascular risks, which account for over 50 percent of deaths among dialysis patients.
Studies conducted on patients undergoing HDF indicate a 22 percent reduction in overall mortality and a 30 percent decrease in cardiovascular-related deaths compared to those receiving conventional dialysis.
Tanzanian nephrologists believe that public-private partnerships (PPPs) are crucial in enhancing access to advanced kidney care.
A consultant Nephrologist at Kairuki Hospital, Dr Mukiza Ngemera, noted that Tanzania has started incorporating modern dialysis techniques, though on a small scale.
“We already have some HDF machines, but their coverage is still limited. Increasing investment in these technologies is necessary to expand access to patients in need,” he explained.
He also highlighted that proper training for medical personnel on HDF techniques is essential to ensure the effective implementation of these treatments.
One of the biggest challenges facing Tanzania’s kidney care sector is the high cost of dialysis. Hemodialysis remains expensive, with an average session costing between Sh200,000 and Sh300,000.
Patients with end-stage kidney disease require multiple sessions per week, making treatment financially unsustainable for many. Dr Ngemera, urged the government to establish more dialysis centres equipped with HDF machines, particularly in regional hospitals, to ease the burden on referral hospitals like Muhimbili.
Countries such as Japan and Germany have successfully integrated HDF as the primary dialysis method, significantly improving patient survival rates. In Europe, HDF is widely available, contributing to lower mortality rates among dialysis patients.
Experts suggest that Tanzania can learn from these models by prioritising the rollout of high-volume hemodiafiltration through collaborations with international medical institutions.
While expanding dialysis services is critical, experts also stress the importance of preventive measures to curb the rising prevalence of kidney disease.
Public awareness campaigns on early screening, lifestyle modifications, and improved management of diabetes and hypertension could significantly reduce the number of CKD cases.
“Prevention should be our top priority. Educating the public about healthy diets, physical activity, and regular medical checkups will help reduce the incidence of kidney disease,” Dr Ngemera advised.
Moreover, Tanzania must focus on increasing kidney transplant procedures, which provide a long-term solution for patients with end-stage kidney disease. The availability of transplant facilities and donor matching programmes should be enhanced to offer more patients an alternative to lifelong dialysis.
