Can point-of-care testing improve early detection of chronic kidney disease in Africa?
Chronic kidney disease is a growing public health issue in Africa. A systematic review from 2026 estimated that about 13.7 percent of adults in 19 African countries are affected. Early detection is difficult because of gaps in routine screening and limited access to diagnostic services. The cost of laboratory tests also delays the identification of kidney problems. High-risk groups include people with diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health concern in Africa, where early detection remains challenging due to persistent gaps in access to diagnostic services and routine screening. A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis estimated that CKD (stages 1-5) affects approximately 13.7% of adults across 19 African countries 1. Limited access to diagnostic services, the cost of laboratory investigations, and gaps in routine screening can delay the identification of kidney abnormalities, particularly among high-risk populations, including people living with hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases 1–3. Evidence also indicates that risk-factor-based screening in primary care can support the early detection of CKD, reinforcing the importance of improving access to kidney health assessment in underserved settings 4.