In March 2025, renowned renal pathologist and ISN Educational Ambassador (EA) Dr. Swarnalata Gowrishankar, from Apollo Hospitals in India, undertook a transformative two-week mission in Kigali, Rwanda. Her goal: to help establish and operationalize a renal pathology laboratory within the pathology department of Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK), laying the groundwork for enhanced kidney disease diagnostics in the region.
Collaborative Capacity Building with Local Talent
This visit also marked a significant milestone in the career development of Dr. Gervais Ntakuritimana, CHUK’s renal pathologist, who previously completed a one-year ISN Fellowship in renal and transplant pathology under Dr. Gowrishankar’s mentorship in India, beginning in July 2023. During the EA visit, she continued to guide Dr. Ntakuritimana as he transitioned from training into local leadership, ensuring knowledge transfer was effectively implemented in real-time clinical settings.
Hands-On Training and Resource Optimization
Dr. Gowrishankar led a comprehensive training initiative involving nephrologists, pathology trainees, technicians, and nursing staff. Through interactive, case-based learning, participants enhanced their skills in renal biopsy interpretation and tissue handling. A carefully structured curriculum emphasized practice (90%) over theory (10%), with sessions designed to address the specific needs of a growing nephrology department. Dr. Gowrishankar also drafted robust standard operating procedures (SOPs) for renal biopsy processing — a foundational tool for ensuring consistent diagnostic quality.
A highlight of her visit was a special presentation during a World Kidney Day CME event, where she delivered an impactful lecture on the crucial role of renal biopsies in diagnosing kidney conditions early and slowing CKD progression.
Technology Validation and Regional Integration
The EA visit also included the calibration and validation of critical diagnostic tools, including a cryostat and immunofluorescence microscope, allowing CHUK to begin processing tissue samples more efficiently. To jumpstart lab activity, Dr. Gowrishankar brought frozen antibodies and essential reagents from India, enabling advanced staining techniques such as PAS, silver, and Masson’s trichrome to be tested and used on-site.
Moreover, partnerships were reinforced with nearby King Faisal Hospital, which already houses a renal pathology unit. This collaboration enables swift transfer of biopsy samples, often within a 3–4-hour window, with preliminary reports ready in under 24 hours — a leap forward in diagnostic timelines for Rwandan patients.
Long-Term Vision for Renal Pathology in Rwanda
This initiative goes far beyond the immediate clinical impact. It sets the stage for long-term institutional development. Future plans include launching a renal pathology training program at the University of Rwanda, which would equip more local specialists and extend biopsy services to regional hospitals — ultimately reducing dependency on international diagnostics.
Dr. Ntakuritimana, who also received an ISN Renal Pathology Bursary in 2024 to attend the European Renal Pathology Course, exemplifies how ISN investments in individuals fuel systemic progress. Additional goals include establishing a national kidney disease registry to inform policy decisions and developing a comprehensive prevention and treatment framework to manage CKD across Rwanda.
A Model for Sustainable Kidney Care Development
The multifaceted support from ISN — through the Educational Ambassador Program, Fellowship training, and specialized bursaries — is a powerful example of how integrated initiatives can foster expertise, build infrastructure, and enhance healthcare delivery. Continued mentorship, both virtual and in-person, is scheduled to ensure lasting progress.
As Rwanda advances toward self-sufficient renal pathology services, this collaborative effort underscores ISN’s mission to strengthen kidney care in underserved regions through education, innovation, and enduring partnerships.