Pantabangan: The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Bicol strengthened its campaign against chronic kidney disease (CKD) with the ceremonial launch of a urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) screening machine as it observes National Kidney Month. The initiative aims to identify individuals at risk of CKD before the disease progresses to its advanced stages, when patients may require dialysis or kidney transplantation.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DOH-Bicol Regional Program Manager for the CKD Prevention and Control Program, Raymond Martin Corpus, emphasized the importance of early detection during the launch of the uACR machine. The machine can detect kidney damage in its early stages, allowing patients to receive timely medical intervention before the disease progresses to Stage 5 CKD.

Corpus stated, "We should not allow patients to reach Stage 5 chronic kidney disease, where dialysis or kidney transplantation becomes the only remaining intervention. Through uACR screening, the disease can be detected at an early stage." The campaign includes advocacy campaigns, lectures, and screening activities to help constituents, highlighting the comprehensive approach being taken by the department.

The initiative will prioritize free screening for high-risk individuals, including those with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and a history of smoking or kidney disease. Initially, some 50 individuals are targeted to undergo free screening, marking the beginning of a broader effort to combat CKD in the region.