A history of the International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA)

Excerpt

Managing care of children of the world with kidney diseases requires balancing clinical aims, research findings and socio-economic goals within an international environment characterized by cultural and economic complexity and a large disparity in the availability, affordability and accessibility of renal care. Since 1974, the International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA) has been trying to establish this balance, involving almost two generations of pediatric nephrologists. This report explores IPNA’s evolution and describes the founding generation of pioneers, the ratification of a constitution and the formulation of clinical aims as well as establishment of the journal of Pediatric Nephrology. This report also examines the highlights of the IPNA congresses and the training and teaching courses at each stage of development. It provides a brief history of the development of regional societies. …