Chronic Kidney Disease Management in the Middle East and Africa: Concerns, Challenges, and Novel Approaches

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Public Health
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Rising prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the Middle East and Africa (MEA).
• High burden of comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes exacerbating CKD risk.
• Formation of the MEA-CKD steering committee to address regional management gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the outcomes of the MEA-CKD steering committee meeting.
• To evaluate evidence for novel therapeutic options in CKD management.
• To identify critical areas for improving CKD care in the MEA region.

Main Methods:

• Review of MEA-CKD steering committee meeting proceedings.
• Evaluation of existing scientific literature on novel CKD therapies.
• Analysis of current CKD management practices and policy needs in the MEA.

Main Results:

• Identified significant gaps in CKD awareness, screening, and early diagnosis.
• Highlighted the need for improved referral and management pathways for at-risk patients.
• Emphasized the importance of evidence-based novel therapeutic options for CKD.

Conclusions:

• Urgent need to address awareness and screening deficits for chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• Policy changes are essential to ensure access to proven and novel CKD therapies.
• Integrated strategies are vital to reduce the growing CKD burden in the Middle East and Africa.