• Chronic kidney disease (CKD), marked by a decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and increased urinary albumin excretion, is a significant public health problem affecting both adults and children.

• A study published in the BMC Pediatrics revealed that 29.6% of children and adolescents in Andhra Pradesh exhibit impaired kidney function (IKF), while 19.2% face renal issues in Telangana.

• The study, which utilized data from the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) 2016-18, involved testing serum creatinine levels in 24,690 children aged 5-19.

• Living in southern regions of India was more likely to have impaired kidney function (IKF) than in northern regions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 13.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.3–18.7).

• Certain regions in Telugu states, particularly Uddanam in Andhra Pradesh, have a history of high CKD rates.

• The exact cause of CKD in many Telangana and Andhra Pradesh areas remains unknown despite continuous research and speculation among health experts, including concerns about water pollution.

• Despite its increasing prevalence, CKD is yet to be focused in public health programs, highlighting the need for a national strategy focusing on pediatric CKD.

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