Connecting Hearts and Kidneys
for a Healthier Africa
The Cardio-Renal Health Research Initiative at North-West University advances African-led science to understand and prevent cardiovascular disease and kidney disease, improving early detection, treatment, and lifelong health outcomes.
Understanding and Preventing Cardio-Renal Disease in Africa
Hypertension is common in sub-Saharan Africa and often goes undetected or poorly controlled, driving much of the heart and kidney diseases that leads to premature death. Because the heart and kidneys are closely linked, damage to one can worsen the other, and high blood pressure fuels this cycle. Emerging, understudied phenotypes and varied responses to current treatments in African populations highlight the need for locally relevant evidence, tailored clinical trials, and stronger health systems.
To address these gaps, the Cardio-Renal Health Research Initiative (CRHRI), led by Professor Lebo Gafane-Matemane and based within the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) at North-West University, strengthens evidence on the heart and kidney connection through translational and implementation science, builds research capacity, and works with clinical and public health partners to improve prevention and care across the continent.
Our Approach
We envision an Africa where everyone has a healthy heart and kidneys for well-being and longevity. Our mission is to advance cardio-renal physiology research to understand the mechanisms of kidney and heart disease, support early risk detection, and inform innovative therapies and public health interventions.
Foundational Science
Advance knowledge on risk prediction, early detection, and treatment for hypertension and kidney disease through biomarker discovery and intervention studies.
Capacity Building
Build a pipeline of researchers across basic, translational, and clinical cardio-renal research through mentorship, postgraduate training, and collaborative networks.
Translation and Impact
Convert research findings into clinical and public-health applications to improve outcomes for patients and communities, and inform policy and practice in Africa.
Feature Story
Professor Lebo Gafane-Matemane
Guided by a lifelong curiosity about physiology, Lebo Gafane-Matemane studies how genetic, environmental, and social factors intersect to shape cardio-renal health. At CRHRI, her team identifies practical biomarkers of risk, clarifies the link between the heart and the kidneys, and works with patients, clinicians, and policymakers to strengthen evidence-based care. She mentors emerging researchers and helps build a strong cohort of scientists across Africa.
The team is developing a community study that focuses on hypertension-mediated target organ damage, such as kidney damage, bringing care and conversation closer to families with community health workers. It examines whether community-level support improves hypertension care. The emphasis is on equipping communities with clear information and practical tools, recognising that hypertension affects households as well as individuals.
CRHRI is deepening understanding of the physiological and environmental drivers of hypertension, strengthening African scientific leadership, informing more nuanced clinical decisions about the heart and kidneys, and improving patient outcomes.
"Preventing hypertension takes everyone, from patients and families to clinicians and communities, so we can detect earlier, treat better, and protect heart and kidney health for life."
Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane
Lead, Cardio-Renal Health Research Initiative
Sub-theme Lead, Translational and Implementation Research, HART
North-West University
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