International collaboration targets childhood kidney disease in Uganda

A Department of Pediatrics faculty member collaborated with the only two pediatric nephrologists in Uganda to initiate a program in 2021 to support early identification and management of childhood kidney disease — and even its delay or reversal. In Uganda, many children with chronic, irreversible kidney disease are at an advanced stage and require dialysis or transplantation — neither of which is readily accessible to most families in that country.

The program is supported by a grant awarded in 2020 by the International Society of Nephrology’s Sister Renal Centers Program.

To date, the joint effort of Peace Imani, MBChB, MMED, MPH, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics-Nephrology at Baylor College of Medicine, and her Ugandan colleagues centers on the Renal Clinic at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. This is the largest public hospital in the country and a teaching facility for the Makerere College of Health Sciences.

With the grant funds, these physicians developed an online, biweekly lecture series for medical professionals of varying backgrounds involved in pediatric kidney care in Uganda. The curriculum disseminates information about childhood kidney disease and focuses on delivering care in resource-limited settings. The grant also:

• Facilitates participants’ internet service so they can access the course.
• Supports radio advertising to raise awareness of childhood kidney disease, as well as the Renal Clinic at Mulago Hospital.

For the next few years, the team will focus on developing multidisciplinary educational exchanges between emerging centers in developing countries and support centers, such as Baylor College of Medicine. The program will expand to include guest speakers from partnering institutions, with a vision to create an educational community that benefits international partners.

“I am grateful to partner with a dedicated and enthusiastic pediatric nephrology team in Uganda. It’s incredibly rewarding to share knowledge and experience that can make a difference. Being able to support them, even during the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions, has been remarkable,” Dr. Imani said.

Ultimately, the team strives to create a pediatric kidney center of excellence at Mulago Hospital to provide comprehensive care, including acute and chronic dialysis and transplantation.