The Quezon City Government and Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines formally
signed the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the rollout of the “Iwas Dialysis,
Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!” program.
The citywide program aims to strengthen early chronic kidney disease (CKD)
detection and improve kidney health awareness among QCitizens, particularly
individuals at higher risk of the disease. Through barangay health centers,
the initiative will support community-based screening efforts, provide
practical kidney health guidance, facilitate timely hospital referrals for
patients with abnormal findings, and encourage healthier habits to help reduce
long-term risk.
In the Philippines, CKD remains a growing health concern, with an estimated 13
million Filipinos, or 11.2% of the population, living with the condition, many
of whom remain undiagnosed until later stages.[1]
The initiative forms part of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Sustainable Development
for Generations (SD4G) commitment, which seeks to improve health equity and
outcomes in underserved communities worldwide.
“Our SD4G commitment guides us to work alongside communities where access to
early healthcare interventions can create meaningful impact,” shared Dr. Bin
Wang, General Manager, Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. “By
strengthening awareness and supporting early screening efforts, we hope to
help more QCitizens better understand their kidney health and seek care before
complications arise.”
“Many patients only receive a diagnosis when the disease has already
significantly progressed,” added Dr. Greta Cortez, Head of Medicine at
Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), Inc. “Because symptoms such as fatigue,
nausea, or skin irritation are often overlooked, early screening becomes
especially important for individuals living with diabetes or hypertension.
Timely detection allows earlier intervention and can help reduce the risk of
progression to advanced kidney disease.”
The Quezon City Health Department also emphasized the role of community-based
prevention and early screening efforts.
“Protecting QCitizens from chronic kidney disease starts with helping
communities recognize the importance of early screening and prevention,” said
Dr. Ramona Abarquez, City Health Officer, Quezon City. “Through this
initiative, we hope to encourage more residents, especially those at higher
risk, to monitor their kidney health early and help prevent complications
before they become life-threatening.”
The rollout of “Iwas Dialysis, Ligtas Kidneys: Get CheCKD Habang Maaga Pa!”
supports Quezon City’s broader commitment to accessible healthcare and
preventive wellness programs that aim to improve long-term health outcomes for
every QCitizen.
Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming kidney health screening
and education activities in their barangays. For more information on Chronic
Kidney Disease and early screening, visit ItStartsWithYou.com.ph.
[1] Villanueva AR, et al. Cost-of-illness analysis of chronic kidney
disease (CKD) in the Philippines. Journal of Medical Economics. 2025.
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