International Federation of Kidney Foundations

Our annual International Meetings foster the dissemination of information and ideas to benefit kidney related organisations - an opportunity to exchange ‘hands on’ experience, to guide recently established Kidney Foundations or organisations.

11th IFKF International Meeting Malaysia 2010
9 to 12 May 2010 - in Kuala Lumpur 

See Program and photos www.ifkf2010.nkf.org.my 

Start planning your travel and funding now!

12th IFKF International Meeting 2011
4 to 7 April 2011 - Vancouver, Canada
Prior to World Congress of Nephrology (8-11 April)

Proudly hosted by our IFKF Member
Kidney Foundation of Canada - La Fondation Canadienne du Rein

Do you need a Travel Visa?

• Presume you may need a Travel Visa
• Check with the hosting country's local Consulate or Embassy for specific documents required
• Organise specific travel documentation as directed
• If you need a Visa, apply immediately (may take up to 8 wks)
• If you need an invitation letter, email lantink@nwq.nl providing:
  • Your full name, address and your organisation's name
  • Your IFKF status e.g. Council Member or specific link to the kidney community (associate, speaker, guest, patient organisation, health professional, etc)
  • Address of host Consulate or Embassy in the country you will submit your Travel Visa application 

World Kidney Day Poster Competition

Overall winners
-  1st Prize: Charitable Foundation for Special Diseases – Iran
-  2nd Prize: Tanker Foundation - India
-  3rd Prize: International Kidney Evaluation Association Japan (IKEAJ) - Japan

Kidney Foundation Programs/Activities
-  1st Prize: National Kidney Foundation India - Mumbai, India
- 2nd Prize: National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia
-  3rd Prize: Bulgarian Kidney Foundation

WKD Poster Competition Guidelines - Each  International IFKF Meeting features a World Kidney Day Poster Session, focusing on your local activities for this event. Poster size:- 1 metre tall x 70cm wide, readable from 1.5 metres. Professor Joel Kopple co-ordinates these sessions. Refer past meeting programs & photos

Poster headings (titles) should be presented in type 5 cm high. You may enter your poster in any of the following categories:

1.     World Kidney Day 2010 in your area
2.     Early Detection and Prevention in your country
3.     Access to treatment in your country
4.     Funding strategies for your World Kidney Day

Joel D Kopple Award

The first (2010) Joel D Kopple Award was presented to Mr Ajit Perera - representing the National Kidney Foundation of  Sri Lanka - for his exemplary and significant work in setting up the first transplantat registry to benefit his people in Sri Lanka. His work on this project is ongoing. 
Congratulations Ajit on a job very well done!

Presented annually, nominations welcome for 2011
Procedure outline  **  Award Guidelines 

When presenting this Award, the jury panel appointed considered the following criteria:

• Outstanding performance refers to any initiative or action resulting in a considerable and visible short term or long term internal or external impact.
• Internal impact can be growth in finances, membership or other organizational attributes, improved management, professionalizing etc of the organisation.
• External impact can be any initiative or action resulting in the improvement of detection and prevention of chronic kidney disease, treatment of kidney disease or care of the kidney patient. 

Measurement of outstanding performance is considered in the context of the local environment and resources (income, financial resources, manpower, skill sets) available to the nominated organisation or individual at the time of the contributions. 

Consider your nominations for 2011 Award now - send to lantink@nwq.nl for the Board to consider.

IFKF Member Travel Subsidy - Available only to IFKF Council Member organisations

We suggest you start early with trying to raise funds to support your organisation's attendance at our Annual IFKF International Meetings. 

Send your applications and submissions now to your local pharmaceutical companies in your area or to regional corporate and private supporters. Contact Jan Lantink for samples of a proposal which you can adapt to reflect your local work.

If travel subsidy funds are available - a travel subsidy is usually only allocated to support a Member representative's Registration Fee and accommodation costs (4 nights max), on a one time basis. The representative is expected to contribute some funds to their travel costs. Accommodation costs cover room only and are paid directly on your behalf to the hotel at the end of your stay. Subsidies will not be reimbursed in cash or paid to personal bank accounts.  IFKF International Meeting Travel Subsidy Application Form 

As per guidelines below, travel subsidy funds will only be granted when a clear and valid detailed application is provided to the Board by the Council Member, explaining what efforts they have made to raise local funds. IFKF Member Organisations wishing to apply for a travel subsidy must submit the application on the prescribed form, at least two months prior to an annual meeting. 

Important advice on your Travel Health

Before you travel to any IFKF Meeting, familiarise yourself with local travel health information and be advised of any infectious or non infectious health risks. Refer to the National Travel Health Network and Centre and the American Yellow Book for local information on vaccinations required and any issues to be aware of when travelling in the host country.

Other general advice recommended for safe travel - take condoms, a personal first aid kit, be careful about drinking water and you may choose to eat cooked food only. Also check One World - Global Visa and Health, Wikipedia - to become informed on our host country and Wikitravel - for full travel information.

Travel Insurance and other safety advice

We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. See Travel Insurance and note:

• Think about what you are doing at all times and trust instinct - don’t take risks!
• Don’t openly display valuables such as mobiles or digital cameras and consider using a padlock on suitcases or backpacks.
• Be informed on local customs and dress, behave accordingly and obey local laws as there may be serious penalties for breaking a law that might be trivial at home.
• Be careful when taking photos, videos or using binoculars - such activities may be misunderstood, especially near military installations.
• Consider taking your mobile with you or renting one whilst you’re away - store useful numbers such as local police, nearest embassy or consulate and essential next of kin contact information.
• Check with your service provider to ensure your phone works and is set to roam.
• Use your judgement when buying and eating food you’ve not prepared yourself. 
• Check if it is safe to drink local tap water- if not, stick to bottled water and avoid salads, non-peeling fruit and ice in drinks.
• Use your judgement when buying and eating food you’ve not prepared yourself. 
• Check import regulations for food and plants before you attempt to bring them back to your home country.
• Respect the environment – don’t buy wildlife souvenirs, conserve resources like water and don’t drop litter.

Updated  10 June 2010