Every 27 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with blood cancer or a blood disorder. Yet, four out of 10 people globally in need of a matching, unrelated stem-cell donor are unable to find one. With these staggering statistics in mind, the Centre for Human Metabolomics in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) teamed up with DKMS Africa to make a difference.

On 19 September, the Centre for Human Metabolomics, in partnership with DKMS Africa, held a stem-cell donor drive at the Potchefstroom Campus Amphitheatre. The goal of the event was to inform NWU staff and students about the importance of stem-cell donation and encourage them to register as potential donors.

Throughout the day, the Amphitheatre buzzed with activity as representatives from DKMS Africa and the Centre for Human Metabolomics engaged with students and staff, providing valuable information on stem-cell donation. Those interested in becoming donors were guided through the registration process and provided mouth swabs to submit their samples. These donors will now be added to the DKMS Africa registry and may one day be matched with a patient whose life could be saved through their donation.

The motivation for this donor drive stemmed from a recent heartbreaking case. The Centre for Human Metabolomics tested samples from two young South African siblings, aged four and eight, who were diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening disease, adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). For these children, and many others like them, a stem-cell transplant represents the only chance of survival.

The Centre for Human Metabolomics recognised the urgent need for more registered donors and took the initiative to help by partnering with DKMS Africa. With each new donor registered, there is hope for a second chance at life for countless patients.

The stem-cell donation process

The stem-cell donation process is straightforward and minimally invasive. When a donor is identified as a potential match for a patient, the process begins with a simple health check to ensure they are the best possible match. In 90% of cases, stem cells are collected through a method called peripheral blood stem-cell donation (apheresis), which is similar to donating blood and does not require surgery.

Once collected, the stem cells are transplanted to the patient in a procedure akin to a blood transfusion. This life-saving donation has the potential to give someone a new lease on life.

How to become a donor

For anyone who missed the drive or would like to register as a donor, the process is simple and can be done online:

· Order a swab kit: Complete a short questionnaire on the DKMS Africa website to confirm that you are eligible to donate. If you are eligible, a swab kit will be sent to you.

· Swab your cheeks and return your kit: Follow the instructions to swab the inside of your cheeks and send the swabs back for analysis.

· Join the registry: Your HLA (tissue) characteristics will be analysed, and you will be added to the registry, making you available to patients all around the world searching for a donor.

Through this partnership, the NWU and DKMS Africa are raising awareness and increasing the chances of patients finding their life-saving match. To learn more or register as a donor, visit the DKMS Africa website.

This initiative is a testament to how communities and institutions can come together to change lives. With each new donor registered, hope for a cure grows stronger.