Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. and Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines), inc. recently renewed their expanded partnership at the Sun Life Centre in Bonifacio Global City. Designed to improve health outcomes and deliver greater value to Filipinos, the partnership now covers chronic kidney disease (CKD) awareness programs.
With more than 7 million Filipinos affected by CKD[1], and the disease being among the leading causes of sickness and death in the Philippines,[2] strategic and meaningful partnerships must be forged to make a stronger impact for Filipinos. Sun Life and Boehringer Ingelheim recognize this problem as a trusted name in financial security and a global innovative leader in healthcare, respectively.
Mr. Ermel Teodoro, Interim General Manager Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, stated that “We collaborate with partners who we see have a common goal in making a real difference and a lasting impact to 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 said, “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.”
The scope of Sun Life and Boehringer’s partnership programs includes disease awareness campaigns on common respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to rare respiratory conditions like pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung diseases. There are also non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which are two of the primary conditions that often lead to CKD.
“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 stated that obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are also high risks for CKD, “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.[3]”
Now that the partnership has expanded to cover CKD, Boehringer hopes to reach more Filipinos and raise awareness of the risks of CKD because according to Teodoro, the symptoms of this disease will only show up in the late stages when CKD has severely progressed[4]. The best preventive measure against CKD is to get tested for it regularly. There is a simple 2-step screening process to check kidney health. First is the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eFGR), a blood test that measures the waste called creatinine in your blood; Second is the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) test that uses a urine sample to measure albumin, or protein level present in your urine.[5]
Making healthy lifestyle decisions is a must, but there’s only so much we can do when there are inevitable factors such as family history and aging. That’s why getting tested regularly is the best way to keep your kidneys healthy. Teodoro reminds everyone to “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”.
[1] ABS-CBN News. 7 million Filipinos have chronic kidney disease – expert. https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/02/23/7-million-filipinos-have-chronic-kidney-disease-expert. Accessed Apr 22, 2024.
[2] Department of Health. Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Control. https://doh.gov.ph/health-programs/chronic-kidney-disease-prevention-and-control/policies. Accessed Jan 5, 2024.
[3] Balita, C. 2023. Philippines: obesity rate by age 2022 | Statista. Accessed May 27, 2024
[4] Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. End-stage renal disease – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. Accessed May 27, 2024
[5] National Health Service. Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-disease/diagnosis/. Accessed Mar 7, 2024
