Global registry data shows an alarming drop in available donors after registries removed large numbers of records.
The World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) reports well over 41 million stem cell donor records on its platform, yet recent data points to a significant pruning of entries that are no longer contactable or eligible.
The change, according to John Hopkins clinicians, increases the risk of not reaching matched donors when patients require a transplant. Finding a suitable stem cell donor depends on precise human leukocyte antigen matching, a technically complex process that makes every valid record valuable.
Cape {town} Etc Discount Alert! Unlock Cape Town’s best experiences for half the price! From unforgettable adventures to hidden gems and mouthwatering restaurants, these limited-time deals won’t last long. Snag your discount before they’re gone!
The South African Bone Marrow Registry lists more than 78 000 registered volunteer donors. Of this, only 10% are black.
‘…What this means is patients often need to look abroad for donors whose tissue characteristics are a 100% match,’ notes Nabiella De Beer, Communications Manager at DKMS Africa.
Medical centres use HLA typing to compare millions of possible combinations and the narrower the pool, the longer patients wait for a match.
South African registries report a local impact in line with global trends. National organisations note that a big share of removals came from local donor lists, a reality that complicates transplants for patients whose best matches often come from similar ethnic groups.
Registries say renewed donor engagement and up-to-date contact details will improve search success.
Experts and registry staff call for clear, practical steps:
- register if you are eligible
- update contact details after moving or changing phone numbers
- respond promptly if a registry contacts you.
To assist in the Bell of Hope campaign:
- Website: https://www.dkms-africa.org/get-involved/campaigns/bell-of-hope
- To register as a potential donor, please sign up at: https://www.dkms-africa.org/register-now.
- Contact: DKMS Africa on 0800 12 10 82
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Epping’s Dozens Bakery poised to reopen after devastating fire
Picture: Cais / Pexels
