Kidney disease rise reasons in December - WHO official

Nadira Gunatilleke

The real reason or reasons for kidney disease reported from certain parts of Sri Lanka will be identified and announced by December. Kidney disease prevalence has gone up by 15 percent, Prof Shanthi Mendis of the WHO, Geneva said.

Addressing a press briefing at Hotel Taj Samudra yesterday to announce the latest findings and situation in connection with the kidney disease, Prof Mendis said studies have been carried out for one and half years and further studies will be conducted to find out the reasons for the disease.

Tissues of kidney patients will be tested. The disease can be diagnosed by conducting the albumin creatinine ratio test (a urine test) twice.

Health Services (Public Health) Deputy Director General Dr Palitha Maheepala said the disease was reported from North Central, Uva, North Western and some areas from the Eastern Province.

The most affected areas are Medavachchiya, Padaviya, Kebithigollewa, Polonnaruwa, Dehiaththakandiya, Girandurukotte, Kantale and Nikawewa. There are 8,409 patients according to the registry and it is believed that out of this number, around 5,000 patients have got the disease due to an unknown reason. Usually kidney disease occurs due to diabetics, high blood pressure and snake bites. But the reason for the kidney disease spread in certain provinces is yet to be discovered, he said.

The Government has to ensure kidney patients’ welfare and 4.6 percent of the entire annual health budget is spent on treating and providing facilities for kidney patients.

The studies were conducted by visiting 2,220 houses and 6,717 persons in 22 Grama Seva Niladhari divisions in affected areas. It was revealed that smoking and alcohol are two main factors that contribute to the increase of kidney disease. Symptoms appear only when the disease comes to the last stages and patients come for treatment when they reach third or fourth stage, he said.