Prevention and Transplantation in Chronic Kidney Disease: What Is Achievable in Emerging Countries?

Experts from all continents discussed the present and future of nephrology and transplantation medicine in emerging countries during a 3-day conference, supported by the World Health Organization, the International Society of Nephrology, the Transplantation Society-Global Alliance for Transplantation and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Mali. This conference was held in Bamako, Mali on December 4-6, 2008, and focused on prevention and treatment of chronic kidney disease in emerging countries. Apart from delivering high-quality medical and scientific knowledge, the meeting was mainly a call to action for emerging countries to start chronic kidney disease prevention and screening programs, develop end-stage renal disease registries and start or further elaborate transplantation programs. International as well as regional collaborations need to be stimulated and strengthened in order to allow emerging countries to acquire the information, technology, experience and skills necessary to achieve these ambitious goals.