ILAR

Call for Project Proposals

Each year, ILAR welcomes proposals or requests for ILAR’s contribution to projects that address ILAR’s mission to stimulate and promote the development of awareness, knowledge, and the means of prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and relief of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) in areas of the world where there is exceptional need. Applications for grant proposals for the 2026 calendar year closed on September 15, 2025.

The International League of Associations for Rheumatology’s peer-reviewed rheumatology journal, Clinical Rheumatology, publishes high-quality rheumatology articles for an international audience.

The international rheumatology community mourns the passing of Dr. Asgar Ali Kalla, MBChB, MD, FCP, FRCP, MACR, a distinguished clinician, academic, and leader whose lifelong service profoundly shaped rheumatology in Africa and beyond.

From 2002 to 2017, Dr. Kalla served as Professor of Rheumatology at the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa (SA). In this role he trained and mentored generations of healthcare professionals and advanced patient care, education, and research. His influence extended across the continent and internationally through his unwavering commitment to collaboration, advocacy, and excellence in rheumatology.

During his career, he served as President of the SAcan Rheumatism and Arthritis Association, and Deputy-chairman of the Arthritis Foundation of SA, a non-governmental organisation. Dr. Kalla was the Secretary-General of the African League of Associations for Rheumatology (AFLAR) from 1999 to 2003 and played a pivotal role in shaping the organization during its formative years. He served with distinction as AFLAR President from 2019 to 2023, providing visionary leadership that strengthened regional collaboration and elevated rheumatology across Africa. He was also Editor-in-Chief of the AFLAR Journal of Rheumatology, championing African scholarship and amplifying regional voices in global scientific discourse.

Dr. Kalla’s service extended well beyond AFLAR. He was a past Executive Committee Member and Chairperson of ILAR, and an Editorial Board Member of ILAR’s journal, Clinical Rheumatology. He contributed to advocacy through his involvement with the Bone and Joint Decade National Action Network of SA, and the Global Alliance of Musculoskeletal Health.

Dr. Kalla’s legacy is defined not only by his remarkable achievements, but by his generosity as a mentor, his dedication to equitable care, and his untiring efforts to advance rheumatology for underserved populations. Generations of fellows in AFLAR will attest to his warm personality, humility, passion, selfless devotion and availability. His impact will continue to be felt for years to come.

His contribution to rheumatology was recognised by his peers by his election as a Master of the American College of Rheumatology (2022), Master of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (2024), and as Master of AFLAR in 2025.

We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Kalla’s family, colleagues, mentees, and friends across the world.

May his memory be a lasting blessing, and may he rest in eternal peace

The International League of Associations for Rheumatology and partner organizations, ACR, AFLAR, EULAR, and PANLAR, wish to express our profound concern for, and solidarity with the people of Ukraine, including our Ukrainian rheumatology colleagues, as they valiantly defend their lives, liberty, security, and sacred culture against this unprovoked invasion by Russian military forces. The continued devastation directly compromises the overall aim of medicine, and our organizations’ mission to improve patients’ lives.

We encourage our members to donate to reputable organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, that are on the ground and responding to this humanitarian emergency. We hope for a swift cessation of hostilities and a peaceful resolution, along with a return to regular societal order that is respectful of the basic rights that fundamentally, and inherently belong to all human beings.