When it comes to chronic kidney disease (CKD), one of the biggest challenges is that it often shows little to no symptoms in its early stages. By the time many patients are diagnosed, kidney function may already be significantly reduced, often leading to dialysis and a heavy emotional and financial toll on families.
To help address this growing health concern in the Philippines, Boehringer Ingelheim has launched a new community-based initiative that puts early kidney screening and education directly within local barangays.
The campaign, “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!”, aims to make kidney health checks more accessible, especially for Filipinos who may not regularly visit hospitals or clinics.
CKD is often called a “silent” disease because symptoms usually appear only when the condition has already progressed.
According to the campaign’s data, an estimated 13 million Filipinos, or 11.2% of the population, are living with CKD. More concerning, one in three patients are already in Stages 3 to 5, where treatment costs can be up to 11 times higher compared to cases detected early.
Medical guidelines note that early-stage CKD is typically identified through blood tests and urine tests, particularly the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR), which can detect protein leakage in the urine before symptoms even appear.
Bringing Kidney Care to the Barangay Level
The initiative officially began with a pilot rollout in District 1, Quezon City, before expanding city-wide to Antipolo City.
Instead of waiting for patients to seek care at hospitals, the program works directly with barangay health centers, making screening and health education far more accessible at the community level.
This approach is part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Sustainable Development for Generations (SD4G) commitment, which aims to improve health equity for underserved communities around the world.
As shared by Dr. Bin Wang, General Manager of Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, the goal is to bring essential kidney health services closer to families who may otherwise have limited access to early testing and preventive care.
More Than 1,500 Filipinos Already Screened
So far, the initiative has already reached more than 1,500 Filipinos through free kidney screenings.
The program includes:
- free kidney health screenings
- community education sessions
- practical wellness guidance
- timely referrals for abnormal results
Residents identified as at risk are guided toward proper healthcare facilities for further consultation and treatment.
This is especially important for people living with Diabetes and Hypertension, which remain the leading causes of CKD.
Empowering Barangay Health Workers
One of the most meaningful aspects of the campaign is its focus on empowering Barangay Health Workers (BHWs).
More than 200 healthcare providers, including doctors and BHWs across 20 barangays, have already undergone specialized training.
They are now equipped to:
- conduct initial health assessments
- assist with uACR testing
- communicate results clearly to patients
- guide residents on next steps
This grassroots approach helps ensure that health awareness continues long after the screening day itself.
As Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro “Jun” A. Ynares III emphasized, protecting kidney health is not just about the individual, but about safeguarding the future of the entire family.
Lifestyle Habits That Increase Kidney Disease Risk
Beyond diabetes and high blood pressure, lifestyle habits also play a major role in kidney health.
Risk factors include:
- smoking
- obesity
- chronic stress
- physical inactivity
- high-sodium diets
- excessive sugar intake
- family history
This serves as an important reminder that everyday habits, from food choices to exercise, can directly affect long-term kidney health.
Programs like this make preventive healthcare feel more reachable and less intimidating.
By bringing free screenings directly into communities, Boehringer Ingelheim is helping shift the conversation from treatment to prevention, giving families a better chance to act before CKD reaches advanced stages.
If you or a loved one has diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease, getting screened early can make a life-changing difference.
For more information, readers can visit ItStartsWithYou.com.ph.