Anemia & Iron Deficiency: How DaVita’s CSR Iron Initiative is Changing Lives
Anemia is a common issue for dialysis patients, often leaving them feeling tired, weak, and short of breath. One major contributor to anemia in these patients is iron deficiency. Without enough iron, the body struggles to produce the red blood cells needed to carry oxygen throughout the body.
At DaVita Malaysia, we are committed to improving the quality of life for our patients. Our new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative focuses on addressing iron deficiency through targeted iron supplementation programs.
Why Iron Matters
Iron plays a vital role in maintaining healthy hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues. For dialysis patients, iron deficiency can lead to low Hb levels, resulting in anemia that increases fatigue and negatively impacts overall health.
Iron deficiency in dialysis patients is monitored through Ferritin and Transferrin Saturation (TSAT) levels. When TSAT levels are too low, oral iron supplements may not be effective, making intravenous (IV) iron therapy a necessary option.
In 2021, DaVita Malaysia launched the Iron Outreach Program to tackle this issue, achieving promising results. From September 2021 to January 2022, 428 patients received IV iron due to low Hb (below 10g/dL) and low TSAT (below 30%). As a result, their Hb levels improved by 6%, and TSAT levels increased by 32%, demonstrating the positive impact of IV iron therapy in treating anemia for dialysis patients.
From there, DaVita Malaysia continued its efforts in the final quarter of 2023 with equally positive outcomes. During this campaign, the percentage of patients reaching target Hb levels of 10-12 g/dL increased from 48.85% to 51.42%. Additionally, TSAT levels improved for 73.97% among 1,936 participating patients. These results highlight the ongoing effectiveness of IV iron therapy in managing anemia, ensuring more dialysis patients achieve healthier iron and hemoglobin levels for an improved quality of life.
What DaVita's CSR Iron Initiative Aims to Achieve
Building on the success of the Iron Outreach Program, DaVita Malaysia has launched a new 3-month CSR initiative in partnership with Duopharma. Running through the final quarter of 2024, this campaign will provide free IV iron treatments to dialysis patients in need.
Our goal is to help at least 52% of our patients achieve Hb levels within the optimal range of 10-12g/dL. As of September 2024, 50% of patients have already met this target, leaving a 2% gap—just 47 more patients out of our current 2,346 need to reach these healthier Hb levels.
However, 38% of our patients still have Hb levels below 10g/dL, highlighting the ongoing challenge. In the third quarter of 2024, 23.75% of patients with low Hb also had TSAT levels below 20%, indicating significant iron deficiency. By providing these patients with IV iron, we aim to close this gap and improve the quality of life for as many patients as possible.
Why This Matters to You
For dialysis patients, managing anemia and achieving optimal Hb levels can significantly improve daily quality of life. By addressing iron deficiency and providing IV iron therapy when needed, we’re helping patients regain their energy and engage more fully in everyday activities.
This CSR initiative is part of DaVita Malaysia’s larger commitment to holistic care. We believe that when patients receive the right treatments and support, they can experience improved well-being, even while managing chronic kidney disease.
Given the growing reach of our program—from 4,096 treatments given in Q2 of 2023 to over 5,494 in Q2 of 2024—our efforts have successfully prevented declines in Hb levels and TSAT that are often common in this vulnerable patient group. As we continue to refine and expand our outreach, we expect to see further positive impacts in managing anemia and improving patient quality of life.
Conclusion
At DaVita Malaysia, we focus on more than just dialysis treatment. With over 40 dialysis centers across the country and more than 2,000 patients in our care, we are dedicated to improving lives through comprehensive healthcare. The CSR Iron Initiative is just one way we are making a positive difference for our patients, providing essential care that helps them feel stronger and healthier.
If you or a loved one is a dialysis patient experiencing symptoms of anemia, we encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider to explore iron supplementation options that may benefit your health. Together, we can work towards improving Malaysian's quality of life.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options related to anemia and iron deficiency.