Plea to End Australia’s Dependence on Kidney Dialysis

A dialysis machine is seen at the artificial kidney department at a hospital in Bonheiden, Belgium, on Aug. 17, 2023. Dirk Waem/Belga Mag/AFP via Getty Images

Chronic kidney disease is projected to be the fifth leading cause of death worldwide by 2050, and there are calls to end Australia’s dependence on dialysis procedures.

Though the treatment prolongs life, it is invasive, time-consuming, and has changed very little over the past half-century, according to Kidney Health Australia.

“While other technologies and treatments have advanced enormously, dialysis has barely evolved in decades, and that’s unacceptable,” the group’s CEO Chris Forbes said.

“We need a fresh approach that offers real hope to the thousands of Australians enduring this burdensome ongoing treatment.”

Chronic kidney disease is most commonly diagnosed during the late stages of the disease, at which stage early intervention treatments are no longer effective.

This leaves patients relying on kidney transplants or dialysis.

Kidney Health Australia is pushing for earlier diagnosis, and access to medication to slow the progression of illness.

The group also backed further research to develop new treatments.

“We are pushing for a revolution in kidney disease treatment and support, aiming to give people back their time and their lives,” Forbes said.

“Our vision is to bring an end to the burden of dialysis and leverage new and existing innovations.”

Forbes conceded that more dialysis treatment units and living kidney transplants would still be needed to address current demand.

He also said dialysis would likely be required in medical emergencies and as a temporary solution.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease refers to conditions affecting kidney function—filtering and removing waste from blood.

According to Kidney Health Australia, around 2 million Australians are affected by chronic kidney disease, including 1.8 million who are unaware they have the condition.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at higher risk of developing the disease and have poorer health outcomes than other demographics. Living in remote communities also increases the risk of health issues due to scarcity of medical services.

According to the Medical Advisory Council of the Global Patient Alliance for Kidney Health, kidney disease affects more than 10 percent of the global population (850 million people).

Due to an aging and growing population, chronic kidney disease is slated to become a worldwide problem, and is linked with hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes.