Drinking water and chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Abstract

This paper examines how people in Anuradhapura District in Sri Lanka affected by endemic chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) explain the factors causing the illness and their cultural meanings. The research found that the issue of contaminated water raised by the local community and the cultural meaning of water have influenced the government policy, health programmes, research agendas and the work of the media. Media reports on sociocultural, biomedical and epidemiological research into the aetiology of kidney disease have strengthened the perspective of the villagers who believe that polluted water has a direct relationship to kidney disease. This new understanding among villagers in Anuradhapura District has led to changes in their behaviours relating to the use and consumption of water, an important factor that has reinforced existing social hierarchies.