Your chance to save a life
1 in 400 000 chance of a donor match
Namibia faces a severe shortage of registered stem cell donors, with only 800 individuals on the registry compared to 80 000 in neighbouring South Africa.Every year, dozens of Namibian patients with leukaemia and other life-threatening conditions require stem cell transplants, yet very few suitable donors are found due to the limited donor pool and the need for close genetic compatibility.
The Namibia Oncology Centre (NOC) and the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN) have joined hands with the international Matches on the Map awareness campaign to address Namibia’s urgent need for stem cell donors.
A supportive stem cell donor registration will take place today from 09:00 to 14:00 at NOC at 3 Heliodoor Street in Eros.
“We are honoured to host CAN’s vital initiative,” says Anthea van Wyk, NOC’s managing director.
“With the chance of a suitable donor ranging from one in 100 000 to one in 400 000 depending on ethnic background, every new registration can offer a second chance at life to someone in our community,” she said.
The Matches on the Map campaign is the brainchild of South African cancer survivor Robin Lewis and his wife Jolandie, and is the world’s first intercontinental awareness campaign for stem cell donation brought to Namibia by CAN.
Robin and Jolandie plan to visit 64 countries in their eco-friendly truck, Betsy. The aim is to not only register potential donors, but also share stories of hope and courage. Their journey through Namibia has already led to successful registrations in Keetmanshoop, !NamiǂNûs and Mariental.
“As someone who survived cancer thanks to a stem cell transplant, I know the desperate hope of waiting for a suitable donor,” says Robin. “Many people don’t realise that getting on the register is a quick and painless process – a simple tissue sample from your cheek and a short questionnaire. The actual donation, when required, is usually as simple as donating blood,” he explained.
On Friday, another registration drive will take place at Independence Plaza in the capital’s central business district. Healthy individuals between the ages of 16 and 45 can register, with the registration taking between 15 and 20 minutes.
An expert team will be on hand at NOC and on Friday to answer questions and dispel any myths about stem cell donation.
Dr. Kudakwashe Simba, clinical haematologist at NOC, explains that the majority of donations are done through peripheral blood stem cell collection, not surgery.
“Unfortunately, misconceptions and a lack of information prevent many potential donors from registering,” he said.
Interested individuals who cannot attend the two registration drives in Windhoek can register online at the website of the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR), which currently also serves as Namibia’s registry. For more information, NOC’s Victoria Kangombe can be contacted at [email protected] or 264 83 330 5053. – [email protected]