Xolani Hlongwane, Head of Department for Donor Recruitment and Data Management at DKMS Africa, emphasises the importance of this programme.

Hlongwane says, "Our mission is to create a more informed and proactive youth population. By educating high school students about blood cancer and the life-saving potential of stem cell donation, we hope to foster a generation ready to contribute to this crucial cause."

The primary goals of the DKMS Schools Programme are to:

• Increase Awareness: Educate young people about blood cancer and the importance of stem cell donation.
• Recruit Donors: Encourage learners to become registered stem cell donors once they turn 18.
• Bridge the Education Gap: Address the lack of education about blood cancer in South African communities, particularly among Black South Africans.

The DKMS Schools Awareness Programme represents a significant step towards increasing the number of stem cell donors in South Africa. By targeting high school students in KwaZulu-Natal, DKMS concludes that it aims to create a more informed and proactive youth population that can contribute to the fight against blood cancer in South Africa and beyond.

For more information, visit www.dkms-africa.org. You can also follow DKMS Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, or on TikTok. 

*Image courtesy of contributor