ESRD burden in South Asia: the challenges we are facing.

South Asia, one of the most populous regions of the world, suffers from a large and increasing burden of untreated endstage renal disease (ESRD). Tropical ecology and increasing burden of non-communicable diseases are major drivers. Disease is diagnosed late, and access to treatment has been limited due to socioeconomic reasons but is increasing. System-level solutions, such as development of low-cost techniques and training of manpower to provide care to these patients are required. Individuals at high risk of developing progressive kidney disease should be identified early so that preventive measures can be instituted in a timely manner. This requires use of technology and workforce re-engineering to strengthen community-based prevention efforts.