AstraZeneca in collaboration with Diabetes Philippines handed over (5) units of Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (UACR) machines to the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte, today August 6, 2024.
These machines have the capacity to detect kidney ailments and help prevent Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and other kidney complications. The turnover ceremony, held at the ZDN Plenary Hall, Convention and Exhibition Center was led by Dr. Joy Anne Lobarbio – Medical Ecosystems Manager along with Engr. Angelo Marfil – Service Engineer, MedAsia and Diabetes Philippines in the presence of Ms. Annabel Jalosjos from the Office of the Governor, Atty. Christine Dagpin of the Office of the Provincial Administrator, Dr. Eduardo Luayon, PHO II and Medical Technologists and Hospital Administrators of the Province of Zamboanga del Norte.
According to the ZDN Provincial Health Officer Dr. Eduardo M. Luayon, the machines were provided by AstraZeneca through the Addressing Complications Today through Network of Warriors (ACT NOW) program will be distributed to the district hospitals in the Municipalities of Piñan, Sindangan, Siocon and ZNMC. He added that the goal is to test and screen approximately 100,000 people in the province within one year.
Before the turnover of the UACR machines, the Provincial Governor Rosalina ” Nanay Nene” G. Jalosjos represented by Atty. Christine Louise B. Dagpin expresses an inspirational message of gratitude to DILG Secretary Benjamin ” Benhur” D. Abalos for choosing ZaNorte as one of the 3 recipients in Mindanao of the UACR machines AstraZeneca with Diabetes Philippines was also hailed upon as they were the sponsors of the machines that really would help the people of the whole province.
Dr. Lobarbio stated that they aim to generate public awareness and help early detection of the disease, improve diabetes care and hopefully to achieve the 100,000 target of patients who will take on the test and use the UACR machines. As promised, she added, that they take their roles seriously and find ways to help health care as professionals to manage patients with diabetes and chronic kidney diseases.
Everyone was attentive especially the medical technologists who were the predominant users during the UACR Machine Demo and discussions by Engr. Angelo Marfil then the UACR Experimental screenings of the participants which was a common way to screen for high albumin levels.
This screening is most often done if you have a higher risk of kidney diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems. The activity was also attended by the Provincial Health Office Executive Assistant Mrs. Anabel G. Jalosjos who was so delighted with the Chronic Disease Project. (Angelica T. Obina)
(Source: Ginalin G. Ma – PIC)