Extremadura launches Radar project to screen 1,000 rural residents for chronic kidney disease

The Extremadura Health Service (SES) and Fundesalud have started the Radar initiative to promote screening, early diagnosis and monitoring of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among the region’s rural population. The first phase, carried out between 29 June and 17 July in nine pharmacies across six municipalities of La Vera, involved 985 people who performed a simple urine test with the help of community pharmacists. The programme, backed by the College of Pharmacists of Cáceres, ALCER Cáceres and pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim, identified 122 preliminary positive results that were referred for further clinical confirmation. CKD affects roughly one in ten people worldwide; in Extremadura its prevalence is about 9 % of the general population and rises to nearly 39 % among those with cardiovascular disease. From 21 to 29 September a mobile unit will travel to 14 additional localities to extend the screening effort and provide remote follow‑up for diagnosed patients.