In the Philippines, an estimated 13 million Filipinos or 11.2% population are living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Currently, 1 out of 3 patients are already in Stages 3–5, where the cost of care can increase up to 11x compared with timely detection and early intervention.
To help address this growing health challenge, Boehringer Ingelheim launched “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!,” an initiative aimed at improving early detection and increasing kidney health awareness at the community level. The program officially kicked off with a pilot run in District 1, Quezon City, followed by a city-wide rollout in Antipolo City.
Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa! falls under Boehringer Ingelheim’s Sustainable Development for Generations (SD4G) commitment to improve health equity and outcomes for 50 million people in underserved communities worldwide. By working directly with barangay health centers, the program ensures that kidney health services such as screening and education are accessible to all residents.
“Our SD4G commitment guides us to work where the needs are greatest,” shared Dr. Bin Wang, General Manger, Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. “By partnering with barangay health centers and equipping community health workers, we help bring essential kidney health services closer to families who may otherwise have limited access. Early detection can make a real difference in people’s lives, and we are proud to support these efforts.”
Key program components include kidney health screenings, community education sessions, and practical guidance to help residents better understand their health and reduce long-term risks. Patients with abnormal screening results are guided towards timely referrals to appropriate healthcare facilities. To date, more than 1,500 Filipinos have received kidney health screening through the initiative.
“Symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, or skin irritation are often overlooked or mistaken for minor concerns,” shared Dr. Greta Cortez, Head of Medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. “As a result, many patients only receive a diagnosis during an emergency or when managing conditions. Early screening, especially with individuals with diabetes or hypertension, allows us to intervene and help prevent progression to end-stage renal disease.”
“When one family member has Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), the entire family suffers emotionally and financially. We want to break that cycle. By bringing kidney health screenings directly to our barangays, we are giving our parents and grandparents a chance to stay healthy and present for their loved ones. Alagaan natin ang ating mga bato, para sa kinabukasan ng ating pamilya (Let’s take care of our kidneys to safeguard our family’s future),” urged Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro “Jun” A. Ynares III, M.D.
A central element of the program is the empowerment of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). Through targeted training, BHWs are given training and tools that empower them to become community kidney health advocates. BHWs are equipped to perform initial health assessments, master effective patient communication, and assist in conducting urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) tests. The program has trained over 200 healthcare providers (doctors and barangay health workers), representing 20 barangays.
Albumin, a specific type of protein, in the urine is an important early indicator of kidney damage. With portable and user-friendly technology, BHWs support nurses in conducting uACR tests that deliver quick results and enable earlier identification of at-risk individuals – often before symptoms appear.
While diabetes and hypertension remain the leading causes of CKD, additional factors such as age, smoking, obesity, and family history also increase risk. Lifestyle habits, particularly high-sugar and high-sodium diets, chronic stress, and physical inactivity, further contribute to the disease burden.
“Early detection is life-saving. We welcome efforts that strengthen early kidney screening and raise awareness across our barangays about the importance of renal health,” stated Quezon City Councilor Dorothy Delarmente. “With the support of our health partners and dedicated barangay officials, more residents will now have access to free check-ups, proper medical knowledge, and essential services.”
For more information on Chronic Kidney Disease, please visit ItStartsWithYou.com.ph.
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