Introduction:
Rwanda, a central and east African country with a population of 14, 410,469 as of June 2024, has faced significant prior challenges rooted in historical, economic and political instability.These challenges have impacted various sectors including healthcare. In particular, the field of renal pathology has been affected with accurate and timely reports often unavailable for patients suffering from kidney diseases. This was due to limited diagnostic capabilities, inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of trained specialists.
To address these issues, the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) fellowships have played a crucial role. By enhancing the skills and expertise of Rwandan healthcare professionals, these fellowships are helping to improve the quality of renal pathology services and overall patients care in the country. This study highlights Rwanda's journey in improving renal pathology through ISN fellowships, focusing on diagnostic accuracy, capacity building and enhanced patient management.
Methods:
The study involved both qualitative and quantitative assessments of the impact of ISN fellowships on renal pathology services in Rwanda. Data were collected through interviews with fellowship recipients, analysis of the diagnostic accuracy, evaluation of infrastructural improvements in local dialysis centers, laboratories and overall patients outcomes.
Results:
Rwanda has 9 dialysis centers with 6 nephrologists, 4 of whom are ISN fellowship recipients. Additionally, the country has two renal pathologists, both ISN fellowship recipients, who are practicing in their home public hospitals and working to improve local laboratories to accommodate renal pathology services.
Renal pathology ISN fellowship recipients reported substantial gains in diagnostic skills, particularly in histopathology, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy and molecular diagnostics.The fellowships fostered a culture of continuous professional development through regular training and workshops. These advancements have led to earlier and more accurate diagnoses, improved communication with local nephrologists and better patient management and outcomes.
Conclusions:
The ISN fellowships in renal pathology have significantly transformed renal pathology services in Rwanda by enhancing diagnostic capabilities, building professional capacity and improving the quality and efficiency of reports. Continued support for such initiatives is essential to sustain these advancements and further further strengthen Rwanda's health care system.
I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.
I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.