Proposed treatment program for acute renal failure (ARF) in the United Republic of Tanzania as a model for sub-Saharan Africa.

Abstract

To date, no sustainable treatment program exists for kidney failure in countries in sub-Saharan Africa. No data are available on the incidence, prevalence or cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The world's focus has been on treating 'priority diseases' as defined by the United Nations Millennium Project and the World Health Organization because of their high mortality rates. This is understandable because HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases and malaria claim majority of the lives; however, in many cases, the mortality is due to acute renal failure (ARF) as a consequence of the progression of these diseases. Moreover, to date, no data are available on mortality rates due to ARF as a consequence of these 'priority diseases.' Sustainable Kidney Care Foundation (SKCF), working with industry, institutions, universities and funding organizations, is in the process of establishing a pilot program for the treatment of acute renal failure (ARF) using peritoneal dialysis (PD) as the modality of choice with a special focus on treating children and women of childbearing age in the United Republic of Tanzania.