The International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA) is comprised of roughly 1500 pediatric nephrologists and allied professionals representing 89 countries around the world. Together, we work to disseminate knowledge about kidney disease in children in the areas where care is needed most. Our mission is to promote the optimal care of children with kidney disease worldwide by advocacy and education.
Why kidney disease?
Today, kidney issues dramatically impact global health, especially the health of children. In developing countries, millions of people – most of them children – die each year from diseases that are preventable and treatable. For many of these children, kidney problems represent a serious threat to their survival.
How can we help?
Skills and knowledge of basic nephrology are essential to improving the global healthcare of children. Currently, many kidney issues go undiagnosed and untreated. Early screening for renal problems and better provision of treatment can save children’s lives around the world. And with frequent use of urine dipstick tests, blood pressure monitoring, and renal ultrasound we can improve the quality of life in this fragile population. With Fluid Replacement Therapy, we can decrease the number of children who develop serious fluid and electrolyte problems and acute kidney injury. With early diagnosis and proper medication, we can decrease the mortality associated with renal disease in HIV patients. And with better educational programs and long-term follow-up, we can dramatically impact the lives of children born at low birth weight who would otherwise suffer from chronic kidney disease, and hypertension.
What do we offer?
By strengthening community medical systems around kidney disease diagnosis and treatment, we can help address the current gap in healthcare in developing nations. Increased training in basic nephrology and better knowledge sharing of the most up-to-date research are key to building long-term solutions in the health and human services sectors. Currently, IPNA accomplishes these goals through the following initiatives:
- IPNA offers regional fellowships for pediatricians in developing countries to obtain training in nephrology. Fellowships last for 3–6 months, during which time Fellows work in more advanced medical centers under a pediatric nephrologist mentor.
- IPNA promotes affiliated teaching courses around the world, typically lasting for 3–5 days. Local pediatricians learn to diagnose and treat basic kidney issues.
- IPNA hosts an International Congress every 3 years for members to discuss basic science, clinical science, and clinical practice. In addition, IPNA facilitates frequent workshops and regional symposia for pediatric nephrologists across the globe.
- IPNA has been responsible for publishing the renowned monthly journal Pediatric Nephrology since 1987, which contains basic science, new developments, and articles on clinical science and clinical practice.
- IPNA forms partnerships between pediatric Nephrology units in high and low income countries, and works towards developing long-lasting financial and logistical solutions towards delivering kidney care to children in underdeveloped nations.
Where do we work?
IPNA has reached thousands of doctors worldwide through publications, fellowships, teaching courses, and meetings.
- We have circulated Pediatric Nephrology to hundreds of physicians worldwide, and donated more than 50 subscriptions to doctors in developing nations such as Vietnam, India, and countries in Eastern Europe.
- We have funded 71 fellowships at 25 training sites, the majority in India, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Trainees have come from 29 countries, the majority from India and Egypt.
- We have supported teaching courses in India, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.