Every day, approximately 120 South Africans register as potential stem cell donors, providing a lifeline to the 19,000+ patients currently living with blood cancers and disorders who require a transplant for survival. While this process is free for individuals, each registration incurs a cost of around R2,500 for non-profits working to grow and diversify the local registry, which brings to light the pressing need for corporate social investment (CSI) to drive impact and save lives.
This is according to Palesa Mokomele, Head of Community Engagement and Communications at DKMS Africa, who explains that these costs rise further when organisations also cover expenses associated with blood stem cell donations, including travel, meals, accommodation, and medical visits. “Yet, South African companies allocate a mere 6% of their CSI budgets to the health sector, despite 79% viewing CSI as a moral imperative. By contrast, in the United States, health services receive the largest average share at 25%. To compound matters, the number of South African businesses supporting health has decreased by 12% year-on-year.”
Of the limited funds available, she points out that primary healthcare consistently receives the largest share (81%), while secondary healthcare and tertiary healthcare receive significantly less—just 8% and 7%, respectively. “Unfortunately, while tertiary healthcare is where patients get the specialised care they need, spending in this area has been reduced by 50%.”
Another critical area – healthcare education, training, and capacity building – has seen a 48% decrease in funding. “Education about blood cancers and blood disorders along with their treatment must also be prioritised within the private sector,” notes Mokomele.
She highlights that the private sector’s contribution is vital if South Africa is to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing by 2030, especially in meeting the target of significantly increasing health financing. “Moreover, this involvement could drive much-needed improvements in the country’s health sector.”
“Nobody with a blood cancer or blood disorder should die because they are unable to find a matching stem cell donor. As businesses prepare for the new financial year, we call for their support in continuing our efforts to register as many potential donors as possible, ensuring that, one day, a match can be found for everyone in need. Together, we can make this a reality. The more companies and organisations contribute, the more lives we can save,” concludes Mokomele.
To find out how your organisation can get involved visit www.dkms-africa.org or email fundraising@dkms-africa.org.
