The increase in kidney disease in Sri Lanka is linked to climate change and water pollution

An alarming public health crisis is unfolding in Sri Lanka's farming and fishing communities. Since the 1990s, an increasing number of young men in their 30s and 40s have been diagnosed with late stage kidney failure". Many require dialysis or a transplant, with as many as one in five young men in some communities. The phenomenon, called "chronic kidney disease of unknown origin," is linked to extreme heat, exacerbated by climate change and massive water pollution.

A healthcare crisis is unfolding

The disease usually affects people in their 50s and 60s and progresses slowly. However, in Sri Lanka, men go from early signs of damage to needing dialysis or a transplant in just one to four years. Women and children also show early signs of kidney damage, with 5-10% of children showing symptoms in affected areas.

Contributing factors

Sri Lanka's extreme heat, exacerbated by climate change, leads to dehydration and heat stress, increasing the risk of kidney disease. Farmers and fishermen often work long hours in high temperatures without adequate hydration. Pesticides, which are widely used in agriculture, further contaminate groundwater, exacerbating the problem. In areas like Kalpitiya, the water contains high levels of magnesium and calcium carbonate deposits, making it "hard" and unsafe for long-term consumption.

Government and community response

Awareness of the problem has led the Sri Lankan government to install water filters and establish more clinics in affected areas. However, access to clean water remains limited and many rely on contaminated wells for drinking and cooking. Economic and political upheavals are also complicating recovery efforts as many families prioritize immediate needs over long-term health concerns.

Broader implications

The situation in Sri Lanka highlights the immediate and serious impact of climate change on human health. Similar patterns of kidney disease are observed in agricultural communities in Nicaragua, El Salvador, and East Africa. The crisis highlights the need for urgent global action to address environmental health issues and support vulnerable communities.

The increasing prevalence of kidney disease in Sri Lanka serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by climate change and environmental pollution. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts at both the local and global levels to ensure access to clean water and promote sustainable agricultural practices.