The Kidney Health Crisis in Pakistan
Kidney disease is becoming a major public health challenge in Pakistan. Rising rates of diabetes, hypertension, and limited early screening are contributing to an increasing number of people developing chronic kidney disease.
Research suggests that between 12% and 30% of the population may be affected by chronic kidney disease, placing millions of people at risk. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9103555/
Every year, tens of thousands of Pakistanis progress to kidney failure, a stage where dialysis or a kidney transplant becomes necessary for survival. https://www.kidney-international.org/article/S0085-2538(15)55230-7/fulltext
For many families, the cost of treatment is overwhelming. Dialysis, medicines, lab tests, and transportation create a financial burden that many cannot afford.
In rural areas such as Sohawa and Gujar Khan, access to specialized kidney care and dialysis facilities remains limited. Many patients must travel long distances just to receive basic treatment.
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Sources
National and international research studies on chronic kidney disease in Pakistan
Pakistan medical journals and public health studies
National Institutes of Health (NIH) research publications
Dialysis Center Study Work in Gujar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan
A visit to a dialysis center in Gujar Khan, Punjab, revealed the harsh realities patients face, including long-distance travel and financial struggles, which became a driving force for our mission. Naima volunteered at the dialysis center, conducting interviews with patients to better understand their challenges. These insightful interviews, shedding light on the daily struggles of kidney disease patients, are available on our, YouTube Channel providing a firsthand account of the issues we aim to address
Professional Development
To gain firsthand experience and deepen her understanding of dialysis center operations, Naima took her commitment to the next level. After volunteering to study how dialysis centers function in rural areas, she decided to step into the field herself. She joined DaVita, a leading provider of kidney and dialysis care in the U.S., as a Patient Care Technician (PCT).
Working at DaVita gave her invaluable, real-world insight into the daily challenges kidney patients face and the protocols that keep a dialysis center running smoothly. She learned everything from patient care practices to disease management techniques, gaining a well-rounded perspective on what it takes to provide quality care.
On top of that, Naima earned her Kidney Health Coach Certificate through the American Kidney Fund. This certification gave her the tools to educate communities about kidney health, emphasizing prevention and early intervention. These experiences not only sharpened her skills but also reinforced her passion for improving kidney care.
Our Official Launch in March 2023
In March 2023, we successfully registered our NGO, Voices for Kidney Patients, in the United States [Tax Exempt ID# 92-3064734], marking the official beginning of our journey to make a positive impact on the lives of kidney disease patients.
