NDB spearheads initiative to curb impact of Chronic Kidney Disease

Saturday, 22 November 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Over 1,000 residents in North Central Province benefit

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has become a major health problem in rural Sri Lanka. Previously confined to North Central and Uva provinces, it is now seen to be spreading to North-Western, Eastern, Southern and Central Provinces. Most of those living in these poverty-stricken districts are paddy and chena cultivators. Many of the victims are male farmers and agricultural labourers. Growing numbers of cases however, are being reported among women and children as well. NDB recently commenced a health initiative with the aim of alleviating major impacts of the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) by creating awareness and facilitating free medical screening to those living in vulnerable environments. The project was launched in association with the ‘Renal Unit’ at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital and the ‘Kidney Protection Foundation’ in Anuradhapura. Five medical screening and advisory programs have been concluded under this project up to date, covering high risk areas including Galenbindunuwewa, Mahailluppallama, Nochchiyagama, Kahatagasdigiliya and Hurulunikawewa in the North Central Province; targeting rural farming communities. Awareness campaigns are conducted by the bank prior to these programs, educating residents about the benefits of the program to ensure maximum participation. Commenting on NDB’s CKD health initiative, Vice President of Administration and Services of NDB and the Chairperson of the sustainability committee of the bank, Mancius Paiva said: “Our CSR agenda for 2014 includes four main initiatives namely; education, entrepreneurship, health and environment. Under the health initiatives, we saw it a timely, national priority to focus on the alleviation of dire impacts caused by the CKD disease – given that it has become a serious health issue in Sri Lanka today.” “The disease is mainly prevalent in the dry zone and results in significant debility and mortality. Early identification of renal disease, with subsequent referral to a nephrologist is known to improve the outcomes. Therefore, we decided to focus NDB’s CSR health initiative on providing free medical screening and guidance for poverty-stricken villagers enabling early detection of CKD; supplemented by efforts to raise awareness about the decease amongst those affected. I must acknowledge the support rendered to us by the Kidney Protection Foundation of Anuradhapura and all medical practitioners that have joined hands with us in this national endeavour. We hope to further our efforts towards this cause in a bid to reach out to deserving agricultural communities across the island that are most vulnerable to this decease; facilitating medical care and advice to them on methods to alleviate impacts of this fatal disease,” Paiva further said. The five programs concluded thus far have benefited over 1,000 residents in the area, including farmers, women and school children. Over 50 patients detected with the disease during these programs have been referred to the renal clinic in Anuradhapura for treatment. These half-day programs are inclusive of educational lectures delivered by Dr. Rajeewa Dassanayaka, a Consultant Nephrologist attached to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital. These education sessions aim to encourage healthy living practices, while raising awareness levels on the Chronic Kidney Disease amongst participants. NDB’s social responsibility reaches far beyond philanthropy and seeks to uplift and empower the underserved communities in the society. The bank has changed the lives of many through a variety of CSR initiatives conducted with special focus on youth development, community empowerment, education and social well-being. Sustainable livelihood development, nurturing the reading habit and improving English language skills in the rural youth, Prevention of child abuse, raising awareness on Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and importance of environmental conservation amongst school children, reaching out to emerging entrepreneurs and cottage industrialists through financial inclusion are few other CSR initiatives of NDB, that stand witness for the bank’s commitment towards exemplary corporate citizenship.