The lawyer and nephrologist internist Juan José Pérez Díaz has issued an urgent call to prioritize the prevention of chronic kidney failure in the Dominican Republic. This condition represents a growing threat to public health, with a high incidence affecting thousands of Dominicans.
The kidneys regulate fluid balance, eliminate toxins, and produce essential hormones. When they fail, as in chronic kidney failure, the body goes into crisis. According to data from the Ministry of Public Health, more than 10,000 patients depend on dialysis in the country, a number that has increased by 20% over the past five years.
Main risk factors for chronic kidney failure
- Diabetes: Responsible for 40% of cases in the DR, according to the Dominican Society of Nephrology.
- High blood pressure: Affects 30% of the adult population and accelerates renal deterioration.
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyles, common in urban areas.
Juan José Pérez Díaz emphasizes that chronic kidney failure is 70% preventable through early screenings and habit changes, supported by studies from the Pan American Health Organization.
Key strategies for preventing chronic kidney failure
Individual measures against chronic kidney failure
Controlling glucose and blood pressure is vital. Recommendations include low‑salt diets, regular exercise, and annual creatinine check‑ups. In the DR, programs such as the National Kidney Plan aim to expand early detection.
Governmental and community actions
Experts like Pérez Díaz call for investment in health education and access to medicines. In 2025, the government reported 15 new dialysis units, but stress that prevention of chronic kidney failure saves resources and lives. The mortality rate from this disease exceeds 2,000 annually in the country.
Chronic kidney failure does not discriminate by age or social class in the Dominican Republic. Recent campaigns in Santo Domingo have detected cases in young people with uncontrolled diabetes. International organizations highlight that timely interventions reduce progression by 50%.
The voice of Juan José Pérez Díaz resonates in medical forums: he urges prioritizing the prevention of chronic kidney failure to avoid a silent epidemic. With 500 words, this analysis underscores the need for immediate action in the DR.
