Boehringer Ingelheim has rolled out a community‑based kidney health program in the Philippines. The initiative, “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!,” aims to catch chronic kidney disease early.
More than 200 health workers from 20 barangays have been trained as kidney‑health advocates. They now run screenings, education sessions and referrals in local health centers.
Since the pilot in District 1, Quezon City, the effort has expanded to Antipolo City. Over 1,500 residents at risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been screened.
CKD affects an estimated 13 million Filipinos, about 11.2 % of the population. One in three patients is already in stages 3‑5, when treatment costs can rise 11‑fold. Early detection can curb these costs and improve outcomes.
“Our SD4G commitment guides us to work where the needs are greatest,” said Dr. Bin Wang, general manager of Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines. “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.”
Dr. Greta Cortez, head of medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, added, “Symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, or skin irritation are often overlooked or mistaken for minor concerns. 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.”
Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro “Jun” A. Ynares III, M.D., urged families to take part. “When one family member has 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.”
Quezon City Councilor Dorothy Delarmente praised the program. “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. 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.”
The program equips barangay health workers with portable urine albumin‑to‑creatinine ratio (uACR) test kits. The tests flag early kidney damage before symptoms appear. Workers also receive training in patient communication and basic health assessment.
Diabetes, hypertension, age, smoking, obesity and family history remain the top risk factors for CKD. Lifestyle habits such as high‑sugar or high‑sodium diets, chronic stress and inactivity further raise risk.
Boehringer Ingelheim says the effort is part of its Sustainable Development for Generations (SD4G) pledge to improve health equity for 50 million people in underserved communities worldwide.
For more on chronic kidney disease, visit ItStartsWithYou.com.ph.
