Senegalese nephrologist Professor Abdou Niang has been elected President of the African Association of Nephrology (AFRAN), marking a pivotal moment in the continent’s fight against kidney disease.
The announcement was made following AFRAN’s General Assembly on 17 April 2025, as reported by the Senegalese Press Agency (APS).
Professor Niang succeeds Egyptian nephrologist Mohamed H. Hafez, who was praised for his committed leadership at the helm of the organisation.
With decades of service in medicine, academia, and research, Niang has emerged as a key advocate for accessible renal healthcare across Africa.
“I receive this honour with humility and a deep sense of responsibility.
My vision is for an AFRAN that is inclusive, proactive, and influential in shaping kidney health policies both on the continent and globally,” said Professor Niang during his acceptance speech.
His appointment brings renewed energy to AFRAN, with a bold agenda focused on four main pillars:
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Strengthening Cooperation – Enhancing collaboration between national nephrology societies across Africa to unify efforts in combating kidney diseases.
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Promoting Collaborative Research – Fostering continent-wide scientific partnerships and boosting academic publications tailored to Africa’s unique healthcare realities.
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Training the Next Generation – Investing in the education and mentorship of young medical and paramedical professionals to build a robust future for African nephrology.
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Advocating Preventive Policies – Leading a continent-wide push for policies that address chronic kidney disease as a major public health issue.
Professor Niang’s election has been widely welcomed as a turning point for AFRAN, placing at its head a man known as much for his scientific precision as for his deep-rooted humanism.
His leadership is expected to drive transformative change in how kidney health is perceived, studied, and treated across Africa.
Source: aouaga
