Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. and Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. have recently renewed their partnership at the Sun Life Centre in Bonifacio Global City. This collaboration, aimed at improving health outcomes for Filipinos, now includes comprehensive programs to raise awareness about chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Addressing a Critical Health Issue
CKD affects over 7 million Filipinos and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the country. Given the prevalence and severity of CKD, strategic partnerships like the one between Sun Life and Boehringer Ingelheim are crucial for creating significant health impacts. Sun Life is a trusted name in financial security, while Boehringer Ingelheim is renowned for its global innovations in healthcare. Together, they aim to combat CKD through effective awareness and education campaigns.
A Unified Goal
Ermel Teodoro, Interim General Manager of Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “We collaborate with partners who share our goal of making a real difference and a lasting impact on the lives of Filipinos in patient advocacy and disease awareness now, and for generations to come.”
Sun Life Philippines Country Head and CEO Benedict Sison echoed this sentiment, stating, “Since the beginning of our partnership in 2022, Sun Life and Boehringer Ingelheim have remained steadfast in driving towards our shared goal of empowering Filipinos to live healthier, fuller lives.”
Comprehensive Health Programs
The partnership between Sun Life and Boehringer Ingelheim extends beyond CKD. It includes disease awareness campaigns on common respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as rare respiratory diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung diseases. Additionally, they address non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension, which are major contributors to CKD.
Expanding Impact
“This renewed tie-up allows us to go beyond providing financial products,” adds Sison. “By working together with Boehringer Ingelheim, we can empower the nation to take a more proactive approach in protecting their overall health.”
Teodoro also highlighted the risks posed by obesity and sedentary lifestyles. “40% of Filipinos are suffering from obesity. Sedentary lifestyles, – one with limited movements or activities, can lead you to obesity and therefore, chronic kidney disease."
Raising CKD Awareness
With the expanded focus on CKD, Boehringer Ingelheim aims to reach more Filipinos and increase awareness about the disease. According to Teodoro, CKD symptoms often appear only in the late stages, making early detection through regular testing crucial. The recommended preventive measures include two simple tests: the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) blood test and the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) test.
Encouraging Proactive Health Measures
While maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential, factors such as family history and aging are inevitable. Therefore, regular testing remains the best defense against CKD. Teodoro urges everyone to inform their dependents, friends, and family about the dangers of CKD and to seek medical advice promptly. “Let your dependents, friends, and family know about the silent killer that is CKD. Reach out to your doctor as soon as possible and bring a loved one or two,” he advises.
Through this renewed partnership, Sun Life and Boehringer Ingelheim are committed to making a meaningful difference in the health and lives of Filipinos, striving towards a future where CKD and other chronic diseases are better understood, managed, and prevented.