The "Silent Epidemic" in Spain: Kidney Disease Grips the Country – A Death Every Half Hour
Kidney disease has become a - Kidney disease in Spain is a silent one - On the occasion of World Kidney Day, celebrated annually, the increasing burden of kidney diseases in Spain is brought to public attention. The Valladolid City Council supports awareness-raising activities on this important date, emphasizing the seriousness of the problem. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) nationwide has reached alarming levels.
Experts characterize CKD as a "silent epidemic" because the disease often develops without showing any symptoms in its early stages. It is noted that approximately 7 million people in Spain suffer from this disease, a number that even surpasses the number of unemployed citizens in the country. This indicator clearly reveals the scale of the problem and demonstrates the immense burden CKD places on society.
The situation is so critical that one person dies every half hour in Spain due to kidney disease. This fact indicates that the disease poses a terrible threat not only due to its widespread prevalence but also its fatal consequences. These figures once again emphasize the vital importance of urgent intervention and preventive measures.
It is noted that CKD is spreading rapidly like a "real tsunami." Currently, over 68,000 patients in Spain are receiving kidney replacement therapy, i.e., dialysis or kidney transplantation procedures. This situation puts immense pressure on the healthcare system, necessitates the efficient use of resources, and at the same time, severely negatively impacts the quality of life of patients.
Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of taking urgent measures without waiting for CKD to become the fifth leading cause of death in Spain. Early diagnosis, preventive measures, and awareness campaigns are vital to prevent this "silent epidemic" and slow down the progression of the disease.