2nd Qatar Nephrology Conference highlights latest developments in the Field

About 250 healthcare professionals including leaders in the field of nephrology gathered at the Second Qatar Nephrology Conference hosted by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) recently with Qatar National Bank (QNB) as the main sponsor.

The conference’s scientific program featured experts from all over the world who discussed the latest research and other developments in different aspects of renal and transplantation medicine.

“The incidence and prevalence of renal diseases are on the rise all over the world, and fighting these diseases is a major health challenge for the future. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension still represent the major causes of end-stage renal disease – a kidney failure so advanced that it cannot be reversed or treated with conventional medical treatments. Patients with this condition are currently dependent upon dialysis and kidney transplantation to survive,” said Dr. Hassan Al Malki, Head of HMC’s Nephrology Department and Chairman of the conference.

Currently, there are about 80 patients on the waiting list, and 300 patients are under work-up, for kidney transplantation in Qatar.

“This conference is part of HMC’s efforts to build capacity in Qatar and the region for the delivery of high quality preventive and therapeutic healthcare, which is a priority of Qatar’s National Health Strategy,” said Dr. Al Malki. He thanked all the conference sponsors notably QNB.

According to QNB’s Group Communications team, QNB’s sponsorship of this important conference is part of the Group’s efforts to support the development of healthcare and medicine in Qatar, and part of QNB’s extensive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program through which the Group aims to give back to the community in Qatar and across its international network. QNB’s CSR program is focused on the development of six main areas: arts and culture, economic and international affairs, health and the environment, social and humanitarian affairs, sports, and youth and education.

The second conference builds upon the success of the First Qatar Nephrology Conference held in 2013. It aimed to provide healthcare professionals in the region an opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise, and foster collaborations with international centers that can contribute to the development of HMC’s transplantation and dialysis programs.

The event featured 15 international speakers, among whom were renowned kidney clinician scientist, Dr. Chris McIntyre from Canada; Prof. Jürgen Floege, President of the German Society of Nephrology; Dr. Khalid Abdulmohsen Almeshari, Chairman of the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation’s National Paired Kidney Exchange Committee; Dr. Peter Blake, President of the North American Chapter of the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis; and Dr. Ronald J. Falk, an international expert in vasculitis and autoimmune kidney disease.