General Information
In the mid-1990s ISN created the Commission for the Global Advancement of Nephrology (COMGAN) to provide an umbrella for all of the Society's outreach and capacity building programs, committees and efforts in the developing world. Arguably one of the largest medical specialty outreach programs in the world, COMGAN works with national and regional societies and local leaders to identify educational and clinical needs.
Through COMGAN, ISN has reached areas of the globe with limited exposure to renal science and modern renal patient care. COMGAN has also brought the developing world's community of nephrology into the international arena - the increased membership in ISN from these regions is a testament to the program's effectiveness. More detailed information on COMGAN News, data and reports is available.
Dr. S. Sharma in Nepal
COMGAN's outreach is committed to the following principles that govern its activities throughout the developing world and specifically in countries and regions most in need of better renal care.
- The prevention and regression of chronic renal disease.
- Improving provision of clinical renal care worldwide.
- Improving education of nephrologists, primary care physicians and other health professionals
- Raising public awareness about kidney disease, particularly in the context of hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes
- Providing training that focuses on the areas of epidemiology, clinical pharmacology and clinical trials
- Initiating and supporting research projects to demonstrate efficacy of early screening for renal disease
- Sharing COMGAN's experience with medical leaders in related disciplines around the world
In order to help ISN in its mission of prevention the Barbara L. and Robert W. Schrier Fund for Global Development in Nephrology was launched in 2005. ISN calls upon you to also help reduce the incidence and impact of kidney disease around the world - please make a donation today.
Organization and Structure
COMGAN is led by a Core Committee which brings together the Chairs of the CME Program, Fellowship Program, the Sister Renal Centre Program, the Research & Prevention Committee and the Education Committee under a single overall Chairperson. COMGAN is also comprised of several regional and topical committees that form an integral part of ISN’s capacity building endeavors.
The organizational structure, illustrated below, is designed to increase synergies, collaboration, help develop appropriate strategies for sustainable development, and apply them in a holistic approach. For more information on a specific COMGAN committee, please visit their dedicated webpage via the menu on the left.
