Dr John Feehally and Professor Rajendra Bhimma.UKZN Academic Wins Prize at World Conference of Nephrology in Mexico
Paediatric Nephrologist Professor Rajendra Bhimma won second prize for his poster presentation in the Clinical Research category at the 2017 World Congress of Nephrology (WCN) in Mexico.
The 11th WCN Satellite Symposium focused on Kidney Disease in Disadvantaged Populations.
‘The programme was designed to extensively explore a variety of scientific and clinical aspects of kidney disease throughout an individual’s lifespan,’ said Bhimma.
Bhimma won the prize in the ISN Programmes Poster Session for his presentation titled: “The Role of APOL 1 Variants in the Development of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis in South African Children with Idiopathic and HIV-related Nephropathy”.
It focused on the genetic predisposition of children with HIV-1 infection to develop kidney disease, ‘It is hoped that with ongoing research, individuals with HIV-1 infection will be identified early for their predisposition to develop kidney disease, thus making it possible for early and effective therapy to be instituted,’ he said.
Attended by over 4 000 delegates from 115 countries, the Conference focused on diabetes and kidney disease, with a closer look at the wide spectrum of disorders affecting the kidney.
‘Uniquely placed as a truly global meeting, WCN 2017 provided access to international medical expertise in renal treatment, research and care, from bench to bedside,’ said Bhimma.
‘Particular attention was paid to diseases affecting individuals in low and low-middle income countries. Maintaining sustainable kidney health on a global scale through education and training is the main mission for each congress.’