In the serene village of Ambagaswewa in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, 63-year-old rice farmer TMH Gamini Sunil Thennakoon leads a peaceful life, working his rice paddies and spending time with his family. However, for more than seven years, Thennakoon has been battling unexplained kidney problems, a common issue in this rural community.
Thennakoon is just one of many residents in the area suffering from chronic kidney disease of unknown cause (CKDu), with up to 22.9 percent of residents in hotspot areas affected. Despite ongoing research, the exact reasons for this health crisis remain unclear.
In neighboring districts, U Subasinha, a former rice farmer, and his wife Kamalavathi have also been impacted by kidney disease. With costly treatments and no government healthcare coverage, the couple struggles to afford the medical care they desperately need.
CKDu is a silent killer, with symptoms often not appearing until the later stages of the disease. Early detection is nearly impossible, making treatment challenging for those affected. Dr. S B A M Mujahith, a nephrologist, emphasizes the importance of education and awareness in combating this disease that disproportionately affects farming communities.
As researchers like Nishad Jayasundara work to identify the causes of CKDu, the people of Ambagaswewa and other rural areas in Sri Lanka continue to suffer. With limited access to healthcare and economic challenges exacerbating the situation, finding a solution to this devastating health crisis remains a top priority for the nation.