A concerning trend in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has emerged in Guyana, with over 600 new patients starting dialysis in just a few years. Dr. Shanti Singh-Anthony, Chairman of the Guyana Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency, shared these statistics from a recent study on CKD.
According to Dr. Anthony, cases of CKD have risen sharply from 2020 to 2025:
2020: 63 patients on dialysis
2021: 129 patients
2022: 326 patients
2023: 428 patients
2024: 556 patients
2025 (as of recently): More than 600 patients
Diabetes has been identified as the primary cause, with additional risk factors including smoking, high blood pressure, and insufficient levels of physical activity, failing to meet the World Health Organization’s recommended thresholds.
The survey revealed that 67% of participants had one to two risk factors, while 33% had three to five, indicating a significant risk for CKD in the population. Dr. Singh-Anthony stressed that the rising number of patients on dialysis is alarming and correlates with these increased diagnoses.
Dr. Sondia Gordon, CEO of the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency, emphasized the importance of the survey for understanding both patients and caregivers. The findings aim to enhance decision-making in patient care, prevention strategies, and initiatives promoting kidney transplantation and organ donation.
The study, titled “The Silent Epidemic: Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease and Hemodialysis,” will play a crucial role in shaping resource allocation and strategies to address this pressing health issue in Guyana.
