Kidney Disease: The Rising 'Silent Killer' in Ethiopia

Kidney disease, often described as a 'silent killer' because it shows no symptoms until reaching advanced stages, is a growing health concern in Ethiopia due to low public awareness. Dr. Tigist Tesfaye, an internal medicine and kidney specialist at Panasia Hospital, explains that by the time patients seek treatment, kidney damage often exceeds 90 percent. Treatment facilities in Hawassa are overwhelmed, serving over 20 million people across southern and central Ethiopia, highlighting a critical shortage of dialysis services nationwide.

To manage this risk, specialists advise individuals with diabetes and high blood pressure to undergo regular kidney function tests. Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy diet, managing body weight, and avoiding the misuse of over-the-counter painkillers. Experts emphasize that the public should adopt a culture of regular health check-ups rather than waiting for symptomatic illness.