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Chronic kidney failure

Economic Burden of End-Stage Renal Disease in Africa

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new systematic review has examined the economic burden of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Africa, revealing significant affordability challenges and underscoring the urgent need for financial protection strategies and sustainable models of kidney care. The researchers found that the majority of patients receive haemodialysis, with limited data on peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation. Annual haemodialysis costs varied widely across the continent, from $2,003.48 in Burkina Faso to $41,957.69 in South Africa, with a pooled median of $18,741.00.

Key Takeaways:

  • The economic impact of end-stage renal disease is considerable in Africa, with the majority of patients receiving haemodialysis, and limited data on peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation.
  • Annual haemodialysis costs in Africa ranged from $2,003.48 in Burkina Faso to $41,957.69 in South Africa, with a pooled median of $18,741.00.
  • Peritoneal dialysis costs reported in three studies ranged from $11,161.98 in Egypt to $47,837.05 in South Africa.
  • First-year transplantation costs plus follow-up in Africa varied between $33,120.18 in Cameroon and $46,293.59 in Nigeria.
  • Direct medical costs dominated expenditures, with drugs and laboratory investigations representing major cost drivers.
  • The majority of costs were financed out-of-pocket, highlighting profound affordability challenges and the need for financial protection strategies.
  • The study underscored the importance of expanded insurance coverage and sustainable models of kidney care in Africa.

Statistics:

  • 18 studies were included in the systematic review, involving 2,634 patients.
  • The majority of patients (95.9%) received haemodialysis, while 2.7% received peritoneal dialysis and 1.4% received kidney transplantation.
  • Annual haemodialysis costs in Africa ranged from $2,003.48 in Burkina Faso to $41,957.69 in South Africa, with a pooled median of $18,741.00.
  • Peritoneal dialysis costs ranged from $11,161.98 in Egypt to $47,837.05 in South Africa.
  • First-year transplantation costs plus follow-up in Africa varied between $33,120.18 in Cameroon and $46,293.59 in Nigeria.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Data from Aliu Opeyemi Yakubu et al Provide New Insights into Kidney Disease (Economic cost of end-stage renal disease in Africa: a systematic review). Health & Medicine Week. October 24, 2025; p 304.
  • Aliu Opeyemi Yakubu, et al. Economic cost of end-stage renal disease in Africa: a systematic review. BMC Nephrology, 2025;26(1):551.

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