Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains one of the country's most underdiagnosed health threats, with nearly 13 million Filipinos at risk.

CKD affects an estimated 11.2 percent of the Philippine population, or roughly 12.94 million people. It is often linked to common chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension — collectively known as cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases. These interconnected conditions share common risk factors, worsen over time, and account for nearly half of all non-communicable disease deaths.

Without timely screening and intervention, CKD can progress rapidly — placing a heavy burden not only on patients and their families but also on the healthcare system.

CKD burden in Phl

Every hour, one Filipino develops chronic kidney failure — or approximately 120 new cases per million each year — highlighting the urgent need for early detection and better disease management.

Regionally, the prevalence of CKD in Asia ranges from 7 percent to 34.3 percent, placing the Philippines at the higher end of the spectrum. This is further exacerbated by systemic gaps in awareness, access, and care.

Limited use of basic screening tests, such as serum creatinine and the urine albumin-creatinine ratio, results in missed opportunities for early detection.

A recent study found that the total economic burden of CKD in the Philippines is estimated at a staggering P592.15 billion. Patients with diabetes, who are at high risk of developing CKD, account for 60.9 percent of these costs.

As the disease progresses, treatment becomes more expensive. End-stage renal disease—which often requires dialysis or transplantation — accounts for P147.12 billion or 25 percent of the total burden.

Meanwhile, treating anemia — a common complication in the later stages of CKD — costs P123.41 billion, making up 12 percent of the total CKD-related expenses.

From awareness to action

Leading global pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim is advancing kidney care in the Philippines through innovative treatments and strategic partnerships. It champions health equity by expanding access, increasing CKD awareness, and supporting early detection and healthy living.

Recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach, Boehringer Ingelheim’s Get CheCKD initiative raises awareness and promotes early detection of hypertension, diabetes, and CKD through free screenings and health education in partnership with patient groups—expanding its reach to at-risk Filipinos.

The German-based company also works closely with patient organizations including the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations, Kidney Transplant Association of the Philippines, Dialysis PH, and the Kidney Alliance Philippines, Inc.