The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and DKMS Africa have partnered to expand stem cell donor recruitment and support for patients living with blood cancers and blood disorders. The collaboration, sealed ahead of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, aims to increase the diversity of donors while offering stronger support to patients in need of life-saving transplants.
“Leukaemia is one of the most common childhood cancers, and often the most effective treatment is a stem cell transplant from a matching donor,” explains Anina Meiring, who leads CANSA’s Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme. “This procedure allows the body to regenerate a healthy immune system and offers a greater chance of long-term survival.”
While chemotherapy brings many patients into remission, some cases resist treatment and require transplants. Finding a matching donor, however, remains one of the biggest challenges—particularly for patients from underrepresented communities.
Palesa Mokomele, Head of Community Engagement and Communications at DKMS Africa, says the partnership is critical: “Providing second chances at life for patients battling blood cancer and disorders, and hope to their families, through partnerships with organisations such as CANSA, is of paramount importance. Increasing ethnic diversity in registries is vital to improving survival outcomes.”
Through this collaboration, CANSA will not only raise awareness but also support donors directly. TLC facilities across South Africa will host donors free of charge during transplant procedures, ensuring they are comfortable and cared for.
The TLC programme continues to provide holistic support to children, teens, young adults, and their families—offering accommodation in Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban, counselling services, and awareness campaigns for early detection.
“A bone marrow transplant can be transformative for a child with leukaemia,” Meiring adds. “It restores health, brings hope, and allows children to return to normal life—while giving donors the profound knowledge that they’ve saved a life.”
As September shines a light on the fight against childhood cancer, the CANSA–DKMS Africa partnership represents a step toward equitable access to transplants and brighter futures for young patients across South Africa.
