Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Spirochetes of the genus Leptospira, transmitted by rodents and other mammals to humans through breaks in the skin, like open wounds. During the rainy season, this disease is typically acquired by people who wade in dirty floodwater. When left untreated, the disease may lead to acute renal failure.

On 26 June 2018, the National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI) reported an alarming rise of admission cases for leptospirosis over the course of three days. To address this issue, the NKTI partnered with B. Braun Avitum Philippines, Inc. (BAPH) to set up an additional treatment area for leptospirosis cases in the basketball court of NKTI’s Wellness Center.

The makeshift ward was equipped with two nurses’ stations, 44 cots, five dialysis machines and treatment beds, two portable reverse osmosis machines, and a holding area for dialysis consumables. It was set up within 8 hours under the advice of Dr. Romina A. Danguilan, Deputy Executive Director for Education, Training, and Research Services, NKTI.

The leptospirosis ward served a total of 130 National Capital Region patients, who received hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis treatments. Establishing partnerships and working closely with government institutions have made it possible to respond quickly and efficiently to a health crisis. With the trust and confidence shown by the NKTI and the Department of Health, BAPH will continue its efforts to share expertise, and help protect and improve the health of Filipinos.