UWI researcher contributes to major Lancet series highlighting global kidney disease crisis

A researcher from The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has played a role in a major international publication examining the growing global impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

A press release from The UWI shared that Dr. Lori-Ann Fisher, Consultant Nephrologist, Intensivist, and Lecturer at the Epidemiology Research Unit of the Caribbean Institute for Health Research (CAIHR), was among a group of international specialists who contributed to a landmark series on kidney disease published in The Lancet.

The series, led by Dr. Jennifer Lees of the University of Glasgow, identifies chronic kidney disease as one of the world’s fastest-growing health challenges and calls for greater investment in prevention, early detection and treatment.

According to Dr. Lees, “Chronic kidney disease remains one of the most concerning conditions currently impacting global health. The overriding message from our series of research papers is that there remains a pressing need for attention and resources to be focused on this condition.”

The release indicated that CKD is currently ranked as the ninth leading cause of death globally and is estimated to affect approximately 844 million people. Researchers warn that if current trends continue, the disease could become the fifth leading cause of death worldwide by 2040.

Despite its widespread impact, CKD is often undiagnosed, particularly in regions where awareness and routine screening remain limited. The Caribbean is among the areas facing significant challenges in identifying and treating the condition at an early stage.

Findings from the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey suggest that about 15 percent of Jamaicans are living with chronic kidney disease, with many individuals already classified as having advanced disease or being at high risk of progression.

Dr. Fisher highlighted the importance of improving early detection and access to treatment throughout the region.

“We now have accessible medications that treat kidney disease and reduce progression to kidney failure. In the Caribbean, where access to transplant and dialysis is limited, detecting kidney disease early is crucial to improve outcomes. Investment in strengthening healthcare systems to detect and treat kidney disease is paramount for the health of our nations,” she said.

Reportedly, one of the major concerns identified by researchers is that chronic kidney disease frequently develops without obvious symptoms. During its early and intermediate stages, many individuals experience no warning signs, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms often become noticeable only when the disease has reached an advanced stage and interventions such as dialysis or kidney transplantation may be required.

The Lancet series emphasizes that simple and relatively inexpensive blood and urine tests can play a critical role in identifying kidney disease early and improving patient outcomes. However, such screening measures are not consistently available or routinely used across many healthcare systems.

As per the release, Dr. Fisher’s contribution to the publication reflects The UWI’s continued involvement in addressing regional and international health concerns through research and evidence-based advocacy. Her work has focused extensively on chronic kidney disease epidemiology, sickle cell-related kidney disease, and lupus nephritis within the Caribbean. She has also contributed significantly to research on the prevalence of CKD and associated risk factors in Jamaica and across the wider region.

In addition to her academic and clinical responsibilities, Dr. Fisher currently serves as Chair of the North America and Caribbean Regional Board of the International Society of Nephrology, helping to strengthen Caribbean representation in global initiatives aimed at improving kidney health.

Read the article here.