Healthcare advocates are urging Filipinos to undergo early kidney screening as chronic kidney disease (CKD) cases continue to climb nationwide, warning that many patients are diagnosed only when the disease has already progressed to a critical stage.
The call was renewed during the extension of a partnership led by AstraZeneca Philippines with Mercury Drug Philippines and Diabetes Philippines, which provides free kidney screenings through the ACT Now Program in selected branches across Greater Metro Manila.
CKD: a silent disease
Doctors stressed that CKD is often symptomless in its early stages, making routine testing essential—especially for people with diabetes and hypertension, the country’s leading causes of kidney disease.
Dr. Rey Rosales, treasurer of Diabetes Philippines, said early screening helps detect kidney damage before complications arise. Health advocates recommend checking blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index, along with the Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (UACR), a simple urine test that identifies early protein leakage in the kidneys.
Unlike standard urinalysis, the UACR can flag early kidney damage that is still reversible. Rosales noted that when detected early, lifestyle changes and proper medical care can prevent the disease from progressing to dialysis or kidney failure.
Rising numbers, wider screening access
Data from AstraZeneca Philippines showed that CKD prevalence among Filipinos reached 35.94% in 2022—equivalent to one Filipino being diagnosed every 40 minutes, and one patient progressing to dialysis every hour.
Since 2024, free screenings under the partnership have reached around 44,000 individuals, with about 4% testing positive for possible CKD. This year, the program aims to screen at least 10,000 more patients at select branches in Shangri-La Plaza, Pavilion Mall Mandaluyong, Trinoma, and Noveleta, Cavite.
AstraZeneca PH Director for Media Affairs Dr. Cyril Tolosa said early screening saves lives by allowing patients and doctors to act sooner. Detecting CKD early, he said, opens the door to lifestyle adjustments and optimized treatment that can slow or even halt disease progression.
Lifestyle changes to protect the kidneys
Beyond screening, Diabetes Philippines emphasized that lifestyle modification remains the first line of defense against CKD. Experts advised cutting back on red meat and choosing healthier protein sources such as fish, tofu, and vegetables, while limiting salt and sodium intake from processed food and sauces.
The Department of Health has also raised concern over the rising number of CKD cases, including among children. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed support for a comprehensive national strategy to prevent and manage kidney disease, including improved care for post-transplant patients.
Health advocates stressed that addressing CKD requires collective action—centered on early screening, healthier choices, and accessible care—to help Filipinos live longer, healthier lives.
