DKMS Africa was established through a partnership between the German NGO DKMS and the South African Sunflower Fund, forming an organisation for recruiting stem cell donors. DKMS Africa says that it maintains a global registry of donors, representing diverse ethnic backgrounds, with a current database of approximately 180 000 South African potential donors.

A significant challenge in South Africa is the general lack of awareness about cancer, especially among Black South Africans. Many individuals are unfamiliar with the various types of cancer and the symptoms associated with these diseases. This issue is more pronounced in poorer township communities, where education on cancer is minimal, the organisation says.

The DKMS Schools Programme in KwaZulu-Natal is designed to target high school learners, focusing on 17- and 18-year-olds, says DKMA Africa. This age group is strategically chosen because individuals can become donors at 18 but are allowed to register on the database from 17. According to the 2023 South African census, a large portion of the country's population is young, with many of these young people attending high school.

The primary goals of the DKMS Schools Programme are to:

  • Increase Awareness: Educate young people about blood cancer and the importance of stem cell donation.
  • Recruit Donors: Encourage learners to become registered stem cell donors once they turn 18.
  • Bridge the Education Gap: Address the lack of education about blood cancer in South African communities, particularly among Black South Africans.

Xolani Hlongwane, Head of Department for Donor Recruitment and Data Management at DKMS Africa, emphasises the importance of this programme. Hlongwane says, "Our mission is to create a more informed and proactive youth population. By educating high school students about blood cancer and the life-saving potential of stem cell donation, we hope to foster a generation ready to contribute to this crucial cause."

The DKMS Schools Awareness Programme represents a significant step towards increasing the number of stem cell donors in South Africa. By targeting high school students in KwaZulu-Natal, DKMS concludes that it aims to create a more informed and proactive youth population that can contribute to the fight against blood cancer in South Africa and beyond.

For more information, visit www.dkms-africa.org. You can also follow DKMS Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, or on TikTok. 

*Image courtesy of contributor