Panama is poised to become a global leader in proactive kidney disease prevention thanks to a groundbreaking project spearheaded by the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) and the Caja de Seguro Social (CSS), with crucial funding from the Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SENACYT). The initiative will leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify individuals at high risk of developing renal damage, offering the potential for early intervention and accessible solutions for vulnerable populations.
This interinstitutional collaboration,scheduled to launch in 2026,unites cutting-edge scientific research with real-world clinical practise. The project aims to anticipate kidney disease-a growing public health concern-before irreversible damage occurs, notably among those most exposed to risk factors. Leading the effort are Dra. Karen Courville, a specialist in Internal Medicine, Nephrology, and a researcher at CSS, alongside Dr. Luis Mendo-Pittí, and researchers Dr. Huriviades Calderón, Mgter. Nichol Sánchez, and Msc. Cristian Moreno.
The team,reachable at [email protected],[email protected],[email protected],[email protected],and [email protected],respectively,envisions a future where AI-driven diagnostics empower healthcare providers to deliver targeted preventative care. This pioneering work represents a important step towards reducing the burden of kidney disease in Panama and perhaps serving as a model for other nations facing similar challenges. (#Kavac7)
