Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing in Bangladesh’s coastal areas due to saline water consumption.
Saline intrusion from rising sea levels and human activities like shrimp farming contaminates freshwater resources.
Local infrastructure projects to provide clean water have stalled, worsening the public health crisis.
Key quote:
“These coastal communities are suffering the double burden of climate change.”
— Dr. Abu Mohammed Naser, University of Memphis
Why this matters:
Access to clean water is critical for preventing kidney disease and other health issues. Without improvements, the prevalence of CKD and related illnesses will likely rise, worsening the public health crisis in these communities.
Kidney disease has become epidemic among Nepali migrant laborers working in the extreme heat of the Persian Gulf, presaging the world's climate change future.