CANSA and DKMS Africa Partner to Expand Donor Recruitment and Support in South Africa
15 September 2025 – Through a new partnership, the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) and DKMS Africa, an international non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders, will strengthen the recruitment of diverse stem cell donors in South Africa, while ensuring improved support and matching for blood cancer and blood disorder patients who need life-saving transplants.
The two organisations signed a memorandum of understanding ahead of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.
“Leukaemia is one of the most common childhood cancers,” says Anina Meiring, who runs CANSA’s Tough Living with Cancer (TLC) Programme, which provides holistic support to children, teenagers, and young adults with cancer, as well as their families. “Currently, the most effective treatment is transplanting healthy stem cells from a matching donor to replace diseased bone marrow.”
Leukaemia develops when the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, weakening the immune system and leading to symptoms such as paleness, fatigue, frequent infections, and easy bruising or bleeding.
“While chemotherapy often leads to remission, some cases are resistant to conventional treatment and require a bone marrow or stem cell transplant,” Meiring explains. “This allows the body to regenerate a functioning immune system and healthy blood cell production. In successful cases, it offers a significantly improved chance of long-term survival.”
DKMS Africa is dedicated to registering and supporting donors to match patients in need. “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 to us. This collaboration will serve to not only amplify awareness of blood cancer and disorders, but also to ensure a continued holistic approach to addressing these life-threatening conditions”, said Palesa Mokomele, Head of Community Engagement and Communications at DKMS Africa.
“A stem cell registry that is well-supported and diverse is vital to improving access to transplant for patients. Unfortunately, many communities remain underrepresented in registries, adversely limiting outcomes and options for patients from diverse backgrounds. Through increasing ethnic diversity among donors, we enhance the chances of all patients finding a matching stem cell donor, actively contributing to more equitable access to transplants and better survival outcomes”, adds Mokomele.
By joining forces with DKMS Africa, CANSA is strengthening donor recruitment and support systems in South Africa.
The CANSA TLC programme places equal importance on patient and donor welfare. Donors travelling for transplant procedures will stay for free at CANSA TLC facilities. “We believe it’s important to ensure that donors are comfortable, supported and able to focus on giving the gift of life,” adds Meiring.
There are TLC facilities across South Africa and TLC services available in various oncology wards, online and through CANSA’s Free2Bme Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) site. Youth and young adults whose parents have been diagnosed and siblings of youth and young adults that have been diagnosed are also supported by TLC’s services. TLC also educates communities about the symptoms of childhood, teen and young adult cancers to enable early detection and timeous treatment. It further offers essential support, providing accommodation in Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban for parents of children receiving treatment, as well as counselling services to families in need.
Meiring concludes, “A bone marrow transplant can be transformative for a child with leukaemia. It can restore physical health, give families renewed hope, and enable children to resume normal life. Emotionally, it offers relief and gratitude for recipients and profound fulfilment for donors, who know they’ve saved a life.”
September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month highlights global advocacy for equitable access to treatment and care for children with cancer, while also emphasising early detection, awareness of warning signs, and integrated care.
Donors are crucial national partners – offering hope, aligning with childhood cancer priorities, and supporting healthcare systems. Their generosity directly enables more children to receive potentially life-saving transplants and the chance of brighter futures.
“Our partnership with DKMS Africa shows that by working together we can make a significant difference in the lives of children with leukaemia,” Meiring concludes.
(For more information, please contact Lucy Balona, Head: Marketing and Communication at CANSA at email lbalona@cansa.org.za. Call 011 616 7662 or mobile 082 459 5230).
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