Kidney Disease in Tanzania: Causes, Prevention & Costs

The Rising Burden of Kidney Disease: Causes, Costs, and Prevention
March 13, 2025

As the world observes World Kidney Day today, health experts are raising alarms over the growing prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Tanzania. Recent statistics from the Ministry of Health indicate a sharp rise in the number of patients undergoing dialysis, increasing from 1,017 in 2019 to 3,327 in 2025. This surge highlights the urgent need for preventive measures and greater awareness.

Key Drivers of Kidney Disease

While factors such as obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption remain major contributors to kidney disease, experts warn that the indiscriminate use of unregulated medications significantly exacerbates the problem. Over-the-counter painkillers, herbal remedies, and online-sourced drugs lacking official approval pose severe risks to kidney health.

Dr. Kessy Shija, head of the Kidney Unit at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH), cautions against self-medication with unverified drugs. “Using unapproved medications can severely compromise kidney function. It is crucial to stick to drugs that have been certified by relevant health authorities,” he emphasized.

Long-term use of painkillers without medical supervision can also contribute to gradual kidney failure. Both synthetic and herbal medications, along with recreational drugs, have been linked to kidney damage.

Herbal Remedies and Kidney Health

Dr. Mercy Mwamunyi, an internal medicine and nephrology specialist at Saifee Hospital, highlights the dangers associated with herbal treatments. She explains that many herbal medications lack industrial testing to determine safe dosage levels, making them potentially harmful.

“Some drugs are excreted through the kidneys. If their safety levels are unknown, they could cause significant harm. It is essential to use treatments prescribed by certified professionals and approved by government agencies,” she advises.

Lifestyle and Kidney Disease Risk

Unhealthy lifestyles contribute significantly to kidney disease. Poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, and high body weight increase the risk of hypertension and diabetes—two primary causes of kidney failure.

“Excess body weight can lead to high blood pressure and diabetes, which, in turn, affect kidney function. Additionally, smoking and excessive salt intake are linked to an increased risk of hypertension, a major contributor to kidney disease,” Dr. Shija noted.

Overconsumption of salty processed foods, alcohol, and unhealthy fast foods further elevates the risk. According to Dr. Shija, many people unknowingly damage their kidneys by consuming excessive amounts of salt and processed snacks such as chips and grilled meats.

One in Seven People Affected

Dr. Omary Mwangaza, the coordinator for non-communicable diseases at the Kinondoni Municipality, states that kidney disease affects approximately one in seven people in Tanzania. Many individuals remain unaware of their condition due to the silent nature of early-stage kidney disease.

Symptoms and Early Detection

Dr. Mercy emphasizes that routine medical checkups are the most effective way to detect kidney disease early. Some warning signs include painful or foamy urine, changes in urination frequency, and unexplained swelling. However, in many cases, individuals remain asymptomatic until significant damage has occurred.

“Kidney disease symptoms often appear late, which is why regular medical screenings are crucial. People should undergo kidney function tests at least once or twice a year, particularly those at higher risk,” she advises.

World Kidney Day 2025, themed ‘Are Your Kidneys Safe? Early Detection for Better Health’, underscores the importance of early diagnosis in preventing severe kidney complications.

The Financial Strain of Dialysis Treatment

For many families, the financial burden of kidney disease treatment is overwhelming. Dialysis, a life-sustaining procedure for kidney failure patients awaiting transplants, must be performed three times a week, costing patients approximately TZS 450,000 per week.

Merry Swai, a caregiver for a dialysis patient, shares the economic hardship her family has faced. “We have been paying for dialysis three times a week, spending no less than TZS 450,000 weekly. Initially, we were spending over a million shillings per week. We sold land and properties before resorting to family contributions to sustain treatment,” she recounts.

Reducing Treatment Costs

To ease the financial strain, the government has introduced the SWS 6000 dialysis machines, reducing the cost per session from TZS 250,000 to TZS 150,000. In the 2024/2025 financial year, 113 new dialysis machines have been received by the Medical Stores Department (MSD), with 72 already distributed to 14 hospitals across the country. These machines supplement the 137 devices previously installed, each costing TZS 31,761,000.

Conclusion

The rising prevalence of kidney disease underscores the need for increased public awareness, early detection, and lifestyle modifications. Health experts stress the importance of avoiding unregulated medications, maintaining a healthy diet, and undergoing regular health checkups to safeguard kidney function.