Bandar seri begawan: Kidney Disease in Brunei Darussalam is a serious and growing public health challenge, with the rate of End-Stage Kidney Disease, ESKD, among the highest in the world. According to data from the 'Brunei Dialysis and Transplant Registry', 1,160 individuals were recorded to have ESKD in 2025, an increase of 7 percent compared to the previous year.
According to Radio Television Brunei, the Minister of Health emphasized the matter in a message in conjunction with the World Kidney Day 2026 Celebration. Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar stated that the trend not only shows an increase in kidney failure cases, but also emphasizes the number of people affected in terms of health and quality of life.
This year, World Kidney Day is celebrated with the theme Kidney Health for All - Caring for People, Protecting the Planet. In line with the theme, the celebration emphasizes prevention and early detection as the primary focus of sustainable kidney care. The Ministry of Health is strengthening a comprehensive strategy that includes risk-based screening, close collaboration with primary health care, and timely access to essential medicines that have been proven to be effective.
In line with the concept of 'Protecting the Earth', the Ministry of Health is also committed to strengthening quality kidney healthcare practices in a responsible manner, including promoting home treatment, particularly peritoneal dialysis, to ensure patient health is maintained while using national resources more efficiently, thus contributing to environmental protection. Home kidney treatment offers significant environmental advantages compared to treatment at dialysis centres. This approach not only empowers patients, but also contributes to a long-term, continuous and sustainable healthcare system.
Additionally, kidney transplantation remains the most effective and sustainable long-term treatment for patients with kidney failure. Compared to continuous dialysis, kidney transplantation reduces the use of healthcare resources in the long term and improves survival rates and quality of life for patients.