With an estimated 13 million Filipinos—approximately 11.2% of the population—living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), healthcare leader Boehringer Ingelheim has launched a grassroots initiative to catch the “silent killer” before it reaches the point of no return.
The program, titled “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!”, officially kicked off with a pilot in District 1, Quezon City, followed by a city-wide expansion in Antipolo City. The initiative addresses a critical economic and health gap: 1 out of 3 Filipino CKD patients are already in the advanced stages (Stages 3–5), where the cost of care can skyrocket up to 11 times higher than early-stage intervention.
Bringing Screening to the Barangay
The initiative is part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Sustainable Development for Generations (SD4G) commitment, which aims to improve health outcomes for 50 million people in underserved communities globally. By partnering directly with local government units (LGUs), the program brings life-saving screenings to the heart of the community.
“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,” said Dr. Bin Wang, General Manager of Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc.
Empowering Frontline Heroes
A central pillar of the program is the training of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). To date, over 200 healthcare providers across 20 barangays have been trained to:
-
Perform initial health assessments and patient communication.
-
Conduct urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) tests using portable technology.
-
Identify at-risk individuals—particularly those with diabetes and hypertension—before physical symptoms even appear.
A Family-Centered Approach
Medical experts warn that symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and skin irritation are often mistaken for minor ailments. Dr. Greta Cortez, Head of Medicine at Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, noted that many are only diagnosed during emergencies.
Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro “Jun” A. Ynares III, M.D., emphasized the emotional and financial stakes: “When one family member has CKD, the entire family suffers. We want to break that cycle… 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).”
Sustainable Impact
The program has already screened more than 1,500 Filipinos, providing them with practical guidance and timely referrals. In Quezon City, Councilor Dorothy Delarmente welcomed the effort, stating that the support of health partners ensures residents have access to “free check-ups, proper medical knowledge, and essential services.”
ABOUT BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM Boehringer Ingelheim is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on human and animal health. Founded in 1885, the company leverages long-term sustainability and innovation to serve over 130 markets worldwide.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about kidney health and early detection, visit ItStartsWithYou.com.ph.
