This Human Rights Day DKMS has placed the spotlight firmly on every child's right to life, especially those fighting rare blood disorders.

According to DKMS, an international nonprofit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders, at least 250 paediatric transplants are needed annually, only 18 are performed which translates to a survival rate of just 20 percent compared to 80 percent in countries like the USA and Europe.

Palesa Mokomele, head of community engagement and communications at DKMS Africa, highlights the urgent need for action: “Every child has the right to healthcare, which should include stem cell transplants. By working together - government, healthcare providers, and the private sector – we can remove the barriers preventing children from receiving the treatment they need.”

But while the situation is dire, there is hope. “By addressing issues such as financial constraints, medication shortages, and limited infrastructure, we can ensure that more children receive these vital treatments. Through collaboration, we can create meaningful change," Mokomele said.

One of the major hurdles in providing this life-saving treatment is the high cost of stem cell transplants, which ranges from R1 million to R1.5m. “When a child has a matching family donor, the public healthcare system covers their transplant fully. However, for the 70% of patients who require an unrelated donor, the state covers the transplant, but not the additional costs of finding and securing a suitable donor such as tissue typing, donor searches, and stem cell procurement,” explained Mokomele.

However, public-private partnerships can ensure that all associated costs are also covered, she added.

“South Africa is challenged by the lack of clinically skilled haematology nurses and clinical haematologists, but we are looking into how ways to increase capacity at this level. Training and scholarships for medical and non-medical staff in haematology and transplantation can improve the level of care provided,” said Mokomele.

A strong donor registry is crucial, yet despite DKMS Africa recruiting over 100,000 potential donors, 56 percent of those matched decline to donate when called upon. “Becoming a donor is a powerful act -it’s a chance to give a child a second chance at life,” urges Mokomele.

Increasing the number of transplant beds is another crucial step. Currently, only four paediatric transplant beds are available in public transplant centres - two in the Western Cape and two in Pretoria. However, she shares encouraging news: “We are in conversations with the private sector to support the expansion of more beds in Gauteng, where the bulk of patients reside. This expansion represents a crucial step toward improving access to care.”

"Together, we can ensure that no child is denied a life-saving transplant due to financial, medical, or infrastructure constraints,” said Mokomele. For more information visit https://www.dkms-africa.org/

Weekend Argus

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Children's right to life | The need for stem cell transplants in South Africa