The ISN Supports Nephropathology Workshop Strengthening Kidney Care Capacity in East Africa
Faculty and delegates at the East African Nephropathology Workshop
In August 2024, the ISN Continuing Medical Education Program (CME) supported the East African Nephropathology Workshop organized by the Kenya Renal Association. Held in Nairobi, Kenya, the event welcomed delegates from Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ethiopia in person and online. The event aimed to strengthen regional nephropathology practices.
The inaugural workshop featured a distinguished and multidisciplinary faculty, including immediate past ISN Renal Pathology Working Group Chair, Professor Wesam Ismail, who simplified complex nephropathology topics for delegates and emphasized a team-based approach to improve patient care.
Professor Wesam Ismail presents at the East African Nephropathology Workshop
Themed “Emerging Trends & Clinical Insights in Nephropathology,” the workshop featured sessions on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous nephropathy, diabetic kidney disease, kidney infections, amyloidosis, lupus nephritis, and thrombotic microangiopathy.
Faculty emphasized the importance of increasing kidney biopsies to facilitate timely and reliable diagnoses. They also called for ongoing advocacy with government health agencies to ensure the costs of biopsies and related tests are subsidized or covered by national health insurance, making them accessible to all patients.
The program featured discussions with Dr Stephen Mutiso, head of the renal program at the Kenyan Ministry of Health. Dr Mutiso presented on the status of kidney disease in the country, discussing kidney care issues with Professor Ismail.
In addition, the event allowed attendees to form valuable professional networks, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and initiatives.
According to the meeting’s organizing secretary, Mary Kubo, the workshop was a resounding success. She commented, “This was the first of what we hope will be annual nephropathology workshops in the region as we strive to build local and regional capacity in nephropathology.
Participants left with a renewed commitment to improving nephrology services in their countries. We are extremely grateful to the ISN for the support accorded to this inaugural workshop, and we also thank Professor Wesam Ismail for the excellent job she did.”
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