Freedom to Live Campaign
 Freedom to Live is a patient and public education campaign, a joint effort of the Malaysian Society of Nephrology and Baxter Healthcare. This programme is targeted at patients in the early stages of kidney disease, those at risk of developing kidney disease, their caregivers, family and members of the medical community. Its main objectives are:
- to increase patient and public understanding of kidney disease and its consequences
- to educate the public on preventing or delaying kidney disease
- to inform both patients and public that treatment options exist which allow for effective management of the disease
- to encourage people with kidney disease that proper management and treatment enables them to live active and
About Baxter
Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) is a global healthcare company that, through its subsidiaries assists healthcare professionals and their patients with treatment of complex medical conditions including hemophilia, immune disorders, kidney disease, cancer, trauma and other conditions. With 2005 sales of 9.8 billion, and approximately 47,000 employees, Baxter applies its expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.
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About MSN
The Malaysian Society of Nephrology (MSN) was formally recognised by the Registrar of Societies on 21 December 1984. The objectives of setting up the society by the pioneer members, Drs. Abu Bakar Suleiman and Zaki Morad, were as follows:
The objectives of the Society are
- To advance the Science, and Practice of Nephrology and Allied Sciences.
- To act as an authoritative body for the purpose of consultation in matters of professional and public interest concerning Nephrology.
- To facilitate communication amongst doctors practising Nephrology in Malaysia, and to meet the professional and continuing education needs of its members.
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Freedom to Live
The Malaysian Society of Nephrology (MSN) in partnership with Baxter Healthcare unveiled the Freedom to Live Campaign targeted at the Malaysians with kidney disease on February 21 2006. In Malaysia, more than 2,500 people develop end stage renal failure every year which is about 100 individuals per million per year.
 The campaign theme Freedom to Live emphasises the urgent need for people with kidney disease to be better educated on their treatment options, and also serves as a wake-up call for those who are at risk of developing kidney disease due to unhealthy lifestyles or chronic diseases.
The campaign, which is now in its second year, utilises print and broadcast activities to disseminate information on kidney disease, its treatment and prevention to people with kidney disease, people at risk of developing kidney disease, their care givers and family, as well as members of the medical community.
 “We are dedicated to improving the lives of people who suffer from kidney disease, and our partnership with MSN is only one aspect of our commitment towards increasing understanding of kidney disease, kidney failure and its consequences among patients and the public,” said Anish Bafna, Country Manager, Baxter Malaysia.
“The freedom to live campaign serves an important role in highlighting that with proper treatment and management, individuals with kidney disease can have the freedom to live a full and active life,” he added.
About the Kidney Healthy Education Panel
The Kidney Health Education Panel is a collaboration between the Malaysian Society of Nephrology (MSN) and Baxter Healthcare as part of on-going efforts under the Freedom to Live campaign. The panel is the first of its kind in Malaysia and consists of five prominent nephrologists specialising in different areas of nephrology. Panel members comprise:
- Dato Dr Zaki Morad bin Mohd Zaher
- Dr Sunita Bavanandan
- Dr Wong Hin Seng
- Dr Goh Bak Leong
- Dr Wan Jazilah bt Wan Ismail
Objectives
Together with a group of patient ambassadors represented by selected chronic kidney disease patients nationwide, the Kidney Health Education Panel aims to further educate the public and kidney patients alike on kidney health as well as address the growing problem of chronic kidney disease.
Specifically, the panel seeks to:
- Raise awareness about the seriousness of kidney disease.
- Emphasise the importance of testing those at high risk.
- Highlight the availability of treatment to prevent or slow down kidney failure.
Kidney Health Education Panel Initiatives
The Kidney Health Education Panel hopes to engage with all levels of society (kidney patients, their family members, caregivers, the media and the public) to emphasise that everyone has a role to play in addressing the rising number of kidney patients in the country. The panel will be utilising a combination of digital, print and broadcast mediums to disseminate information on kidney disease, its treatment and prevention via:
- A series of articles on kidney health
- Ongoing patient testimonials
- Broadcast interviews
- The Freedom to Live website (www.freedomtolive.com.my)
- Journalist workshops
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