Recently, DKMS Africa convened the BloodSA and SAAPHO Paediatric HSCT working party workshop. This important gathering brought together South Africa’s foremost paediatric haematologists, oncologists, and transplant specialists for an impactful two-day collaboration. The workshop aligns with DKMS Africa’s ongoing mission to improve access to stem cell transplantation for patients battling blood cancer and blood disorders.
Hosted at the Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre in Kempton Park, the workshop represented a pivotal moment for paediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in South Africa. It marked the first national collaborative engagement to address the unique challenges associated with paediatric HSCT in the country. It signifies the commencement of a new era of engagement and innovation to improve patient outcomes and provide vital support for young patients facing blood cancer and blood disorders.
Speaking at the workshop, Erna West, Country Manager of DKMS Africa, said, “We’re honoured to support this collaborative effort. Our goal is to ensure that every child who needs a transplant has a real chance of finding a matching donor and surviving. ”
The workshop had a multifaceted agenda, brimming with dynamic disease-specific presentations, insightful expert-led discussions, and vibrant opportunities for collaborative engagement. These included a variety of critical topics, ranging from comprehensive pre and post transplant care to robust infection prevention strategies. Significant emphasis was placed on advancing transplant outcomes for all patients, ensuring that even those accessing care through public healthcare systems receive the highest standards of treatment. This dedication highlighted the alignment of goals which is essential for transforming the landscape of paediatric care and positively impacting the lives of young patients.
“The stakes are incredibly high when it comes to paediatric transplants,” said Dr. Candice Hendricks, paediatric haematologist and working party chair. “This has been a powerful reminder that when we collaborate on a national scale, we can drive real improvements in care.”
One of the workshop’s key outcomes was the establishment of national standardised indications for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children and adolescents, determination of the number of children requiring transplantation in South Africa as a priority to be achieved, and finally to standardise management protocols for all patients receiving a transplant.
With over 12 CPD clinical points awarded for full participation, the workshop also contributed to professional development, reinforcing the importance of ongoing education in such a rapidly evolving field.