Early intervention in kidney disease delivers triple win

New modelling reveals early intervention in chronic kidney disease (CKD) as a triple win – improving patient outcomes while delivering economic and environmental gains for Australia.

The data, released as part of the IMPACT CKD modelling commissioned by AstraZeneca, coincides with a historic move by the World Health Assembly (WHA), which recently adopted a resolution prioritising kidney health to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It marks the first time that kidney disease is prioritised on the global health agenda.

“This is a landmark moment for kidney health,” said Rathika Krishnasamy, President of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology, noting the resolution recognises the “urgent need to address the growing burden of kidney disease.”

According to the IMPACT CKD modelling (2022-2047), if Australia implemented early detection and management strategies, it could reduce dialysis demand by 55%, save $25.2 billion in CKD-related costs, and see 200,000 more people remain in the workforce. In addition, net tax revenue could increase by $1.6 billion over the same period.

“Early diagnosis can make a life-changing difference for Australians living with CKD,” said Chris Forbes, CEO of Kidney Health Australia. “It’s time to turn off the tap. Early detection provides patients the best opportunity to treat the disease – slowing or even stopping progression to kidney failure, and avoiding the significant toll of dialysis.”

Currently, 2.7 million Australians are living with indicators of CKD and a staggering 2.5 million remain undiagnosed. The disease costs the economy an estimated $9.9 billion annually.

Much of this burden stems from the need for kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in later-stage disease. Dialysis, which remains the dominant form of KRT, is not only costly but also highly resource-intensive – consuming vast amounts of energy, water, and single-use plastics. It’s estimated that KRT costs contribute to 2-3% of total healthcare budgets in high-income countries.

The IMPACT CKD modelling suggests early CKD intervention could lead to a 48.1% drop in cardiovascular events and a 7.3% reduction in all-cause mortality over 25 years, alongside the sharp decline in dialysis use.

Ben McDonald, Country President of AstraZeneca Australia and New Zealand, said “Earlier access to diagnosis and treatment improves outcomes for patients, can slow renal progression and help avoid dialysis costs. With the right focus and investment, we can create system-wide benefits for people, society and the planet.”

The modelling also projected compelling environmental benefits: a 51.0% reduction in KRT-related freshwater use, a 48.2% drop in fossil fuel consumption, and a 48.1% cut in carbon emissions. These outcomes align with the government’s National Health and Climate Strategy.

“Increasing the early detection and treatment of CKD in Australia needs to be a public health priority. The Australian health system can do more to work with people who are at high risk of having CKD but may not know it,” McDonald added.

Forbes echoed the urgency, saying “Too many people are slipping through the cracks until it’s too late. Our ambition is a future where every Australian has the ability to enjoy excellent kidney health. We urgently need policy action to support earlier detection and timely access to treatment.”

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