Dauda KIZITO
Turkish Journal of Nephrology - 2026;35(1):15-24
Climate change has led to rising global temperatures and an increase in the frequency of heatwaves, which are known to adversely affect kidney health through mechanisms of heat stress and dehydration. Gashua, with temperatures soaring between 40 dereceC and 44 dereceC and occasionally exceed 45 dereceC on extreme days from March to July, presents a particularly vulnerable case, as its population relies heavily on outdoor activities such as farming and fishing. This exposure heightens the risk of heat-related health issues, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Reports of CKD in Gashua, the administrative center of Bade Local Government Area, have raised alarm within the medical community and among public health officials. Existing studies indicate a correlation between high CKD of unknown etiology (CKDu) rates and climatic changes, yet the specific dynamics of heat stress and CKDu in Gashua remain largely unexplored. This oversight is concerning, given the region's climatic extremes and socioeconomic factors that may exacerbate dehydration. This paper explores the speculative linkage between climate change, heat stress, and CKDu in Gashua, a region characterized by extreme temperatures. The paper also underscores the necessity for focused research to elucidate these interconnections, which is crucial for developing effective health interventions and policies to protect vulnerable populations in the face of a warming planet.
