A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies estimated the global prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) across five stages. The study analyzed data from 100 studies involving 6,908,440 patients, revealing a global mean CKD prevalence of 13.4% (95% CI: 11.7–15.1%) for all stages and 10.6% (9.2–12.2%) for stages 3–5. Stage-specific prevalence was 3.5% for stage 1, 3.9% for stage 2, 7.6% for stage 3, 0.4% for stage 4, and 0.1% for stage 5. The prevalence was consistent globally, with most cases in stage 3. CKD prevalence varied by age, gender, and geography, with higher rates in older populations and women. The study found that CKD is a significant global health burden, with high prevalence and a strong association with cardiovascular disease. The results highlight the need for interventions to slow CKD progression and improve cardiovascular outcomes. The study also noted limitations, including variability in study quality and potential biases in serum creatinine measurements. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of addressing CKD as a major public health issue.A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies estimated the global prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) across five stages. The study analyzed data from 100 studies involving 6,908,440 patients, revealing a global mean CKD prevalence of 13.4% (95% CI: 11.7–15.1%) for all stages and 10.6% (9.2–12.2%) for stages 3–5. Stage-specific prevalence was 3.5% for stage 1, 3.9% for stage 2, 7.6% for stage 3, 0.4% for stage 4, and 0.1% for stage 5. The prevalence was consistent globally, with most cases in stage 3. CKD prevalence varied by age, gender, and geography, with higher rates in older populations and women. The study found that CKD is a significant global health burden, with high prevalence and a strong association with cardiovascular disease. The results highlight the need for interventions to slow CKD progression and improve cardiovascular outcomes. The study also noted limitations, including variability in study quality and potential biases in serum creatinine measurements. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of addressing CKD as a major public health issue.