Rising Chronic Kidney Disease Cases in Filipino Children
Published on Jun 20, 2025
Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, is on the rise among Filipino children, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa recently shared that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited a young dialysis patient receiving treatment at the Hemodialysis Center of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City. Following the visit, the President urged DOH to strengthen its efforts to prevent CKD.
According to Herbosa, this means addressing diabetes and hypertension early, since these remain the main causes of kidney failure in the country.
“Ang CKD natin ngayon karamihan dahil sa diabetes at hypertension... inatasan ako na palakasin iyong primary care prevention part,” he said during a press briefing in Malacañang.
He also stressed the need for healthier lifestyle habits, especially among children, saying, “Mataas siguro iyong sugar content ng ating mga kinakain, gawan ng paraan para mabawasan ito... iyong ating mga kabataan mabigyan ng tamang ehersisyo.”
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease happens when the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. In the early stages, there are usually no symptoms. But as it progresses, waste builds up in the body and can cause serious health problems. Without treatment, CKD can lead to kidney failure, which requires lifelong dialysis or a kidney transplant.
The good news is that CKD is often preventable, especially when detected early.
Testing for CKD focuses on urine, blood, and imaging. A simple urine test can detect protein or blood, while blood tests measure creatinine and estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). An ultrasound may be used to identify structural issues.
Pediatricians may recommend regular screening for children with risk factors like low birth weight, congenital kidney problems, or a family history of kidney disease.
Preventing CKD From Early Childhood
You can help lower a child’s risk of chronic kidney disease by taking these steps:
Start with prenatal care
Ensure regular checkups during pregnancy. Good maternal health supports healthy kidney development in the fetus.
Know your child’s risk
Risk factors include low birth weight, prematurity, family history of kidney disease, or birth defects of the kidneys or urinary tract.
Schedule regular pediatric visits
Early detection matters. Regular checkups help track growth, blood pressure, and any early signs of kidney problems.
Encourage hydration and a healthy diet
Make sure your child drinks enough water and eats nutritious foods that support kidney health.
Treat infections promptly
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other illnesses should be addressed quickly to prevent kidney damage.
Manage underlying conditions
If your child has high blood pressure, diabetes, or other chronic conditions, work with a doctor to keep them under control.
Hanna is a News Desk Writer at Smart Parenting, covering parenting, health, culture, and more. Off the clock, she’s likely people-watching at a café or park, matcha latte in hand.
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