Covid-19 left behind more than immediate fatalities and strained health systems it continues to burden millions with long-term complications. One of the most overlooked and devastating outcomes is kidney disease linked to long Covid.
Long Covid, or post-acute Covid-19 syndrome, refers to persistent symptoms or complications that linger beyond four weeks after the initial infection. These include fatigue, cognitive issues, chest pain, thromboembolism, and organ damage. Among the organs most affected are the lungs, heart, brain, veins, and critically, the kidneys.
Many people who previously had no history of chronic illness are now grappling with unexpected conditions. Sudden collapses, strokes, cardiovascular problems, and kidney failure appear increasingly common. The kidneys in particular are uniquely vulnerable, with long Covid triggering post-acute kidney injury (AKI). Patients who develop AKI often do not fully regain kidney function, setting the stage for chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Persistent inflammation, immune dysregulation, and damage to small blood vessels in the kidneys are among the mechanisms driving this condition. Even months after infection, patients may experience proteinuria or hematuria—silent signs of kidney impairment. Research has also shown that SARS-CoV-2 can infect kidney cells directly, leading to scarring and long-term dysfunction.
The statistics paint a sobering picture. Nearly one-third of hospitalised Covid-19 patients developed acute kidney injury, and in many cases, recovery was incomplete. In some studies, over half of such patients saw permanent kidney damage. This reality translates into a lifelong burden of dialysis, transplants, and high medical costs for families.
In Kenya and elsewhere, the problem is evident. Studies have documented that over one in five patients admitted with Covid-19 presented with kidney complications. With limited access to affordable treatment, dialysis has become both a lifeline and a financial strain. The situation highlights the urgent need for healthcare systems to address this hidden epidemic.
Despite its scale, long Covid particularly its impact on kidney health remains absent from key international frameworks like the Pandemic Accord. Governments have focused heavily on preventing future outbreaks, but little attention is paid to the millions already struggling with long-term consequences.
Acknowledging and addressing the crisis of post-Covid kidney disease is not just a medical necessity but a moral responsibility. Long haulers deserve recognition, resources, and a healthcare response that ensures their suffering is not ignored in the rush to move past the pandemic.
