The Cameroon Society of Hematology, SOCAHEMA in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Service, NBTS has launched the second edition of the National Hematology Days, a three-day event focused on promoting blood safety in Cameroon.
The conference, themed “Blood Safety in Cameroon,” brings together experts, researchers, and students to discuss ways to improve transfusion safety in the country.
Delivering the inaugural lecture, Prof. Claude Tayou, Head of the Medico-technical Department of the NBTS, highlighted several challenges facing blood safety in Cameroon. “We face challenges such as leadership, education of the population on blood donation, prevalence of certain pathologies, lack of resources and little or no respect of regulations,” he said, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to address these issues.
Mrs. Ze Kakanou Florence, Technical Adviser and Representative of the Minister of Public Health, echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of the conference in shaping the future of blood safety in Cameroon. “This conference should help open up new perspectives in the field of hemovigilance, strengthen bridges between research and clinical practice, medical biology and innovative blood safety strategies,” she said, urging participants to generate data that would elevate Cameroonian research to international standards.
Prof. Dora Mbanya, General Manager of the NBTS and President of SOCAHEMA, outlined the organization’s commitment to ensuring safe blood for all Cameroonians. “The NBTS has the mandate to ensure that safe blood is available and so we have been involved with SOCAHEMA so that together we can do something about promoting safe blood in the country,” she said, highlighting the importance of collaboration in achieving this goal.
The event provides a platform for stakeholders to share experiences and best practices in blood safety, with a focus on promoting safe blood and addressing challenges facing the sector. The conference is expected to conclude on 26 November 2025, with recommendations and outcomes to inform policy and practice in Cameroon.
Claudette Chin
