A review of the national response to CKDu in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Since the mid-1990s, Sri Lanka’s North Central Province has faced an increasing occurrence of renal disease. As the aetiology has not been elucidated, the disease is known as Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu). This paper covers Sri Lanka’s response to this debilitating and often fatal disease, and presents the chronology covering the national response. Further, the response has been covered from multiple angles, initially taking the broad national, political, private and international angle. Then a sectoral response analysis is presented, covering the medical, agriculture, food and nutrition, water, community and social sectors, as well as research and the media. Multiple action plans have been formulated and a consolidated action plan is currently being executed under HE the President. A brief response analysis is presented at the end. Many a hypothesis regarding the causative agents/risk factors for CKDu has been suggested by researchers. Research compilation on presented hypotheses for causing CKDu in Sri Lanka is also presented.