A Call to Action: The Urgent Need for Research on Climate Change and Chronic Kidney Disease in Africa

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A Call to Action: The Urgent Need for Research on Climate Change and Chronic Kidney Disease in Africa

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Co-author 1

Siyanda A Ngema ngemasa@tut.ac.za Tshwane University of Technology Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science City of Tshwane South Africa *

Co-author 2

Lwazi S zwanelsifiso@gmail.com Tshwane University of Technology Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science City of Tshwane South Africa -

Co-author 3

Thabiso L Bale balethabiso@gmail.com Tshwane University of Technology Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science City of Tshwane South Africa -

Co-author 4

Tendani S Ramukumba ramukumbats@tut.ac.za Tshwane University of Technology Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science City of Tshwane South Africa -

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Introduction

Climate change poses an unprecedented threat to human survival and is increasingly linked to the global rise in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In Africa, many populations face significant challenges in accessing essential treatments such as dialysis and kidney transplantation. This lack of access leads to high mortality rates and places substantial financial burdens on health systems. Understanding the connection between climate change and kidney health in Africa is crucial for developing effective interventions and aligning health strategies with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals aim to enhance health and well-being while addressing climate change by 2030.

Methods

A review of literature was conducted following systematic guidelines to identify research exploring the relationship between climate change and chronic kidney disease in Africa. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, were searched for studies published between 2010 and 2025 using relevant keywords related to climate change and chronic kidney disease in Africa.

Results

The literature search revealed a striking paucity of research in this critical area. Only one longitudinal cohort study, conducted in Ghana, was identified that directly examined the relationship between climate conditions and kidney function. This study followed 51 healthy adults across both wet and dry seasons, documenting significant physiological changes that occurred during the dry season. Participants exhibited significantly elevated creatinine and urea levels, increased blood pressure, and a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), indicating climate-induced kidney dysfunction. Males were disproportionately affected by these changes. Notably, stage 1 hypertension doubled during the dry season compared to the wet season. While this study provides preliminary evidence linking hot climatic conditions to kidney disease biomarkers, the absence of additional research across Africa's diverse climatic zones represents a critical knowledge gap.

Conclusion

The lack of research on the link between climate change and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Africa poses a public health emergency that needs urgent attention. While a study from Ghana highlights the risks of rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns on kidney health, it remains insufficient. Africa, which contributes minimally to global carbon emissions yet faces severe climate impacts and inadequate healthcare, requires immediate action.

We call on the global research community, funding agencies, African governments, and international health organizations to address the critical gap in understanding climate and kidney health. Immediate investment in large-scale, multi-country studies is essential to explore these connections. Establishing surveillance systems to monitor kidney disease in conjunction with environmental data is necessary for identifying at-risk communities. Additionally, integrating kidney health into climate adaptation strategies and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being and SDG 13 on Climate Action is vital.

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