Academy
The 14th Pan-Arab Transfusion Medicine Conference
Aysha Ibrahim Al Malki
Hamad Medical Corporation Doha, Qatar
Sara Adil Salim
Hamad Medical corporation, Doha, Qatar
The 14th Pan-Arab Transfusion Medicine Conference, held in Doha, Qatar, from November 30 to December 2, 2024, brought together over fifty global and regional experts and more than six hundred attendees to discuss advancements in transfusion medicine. The diverse audience included transfusion medicine specialists, clinicians, nurses, medical technologists, researchers, and policymakers from across the globe, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of the field. Participants gained valuable insights into global trends, region-specific challenges, and practical strategies to enhance transfusion practices in their respective contexts.
Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) organized the conference in collaboration with the Arab Authority for Blood Transfusion Services (AABTS), the League of Arab States, the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB), and the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT). The opening ceremony featured a welcome address by Dr. Einas Al Kuwari, Chair of Clinical Services at HMC's Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, followed by remarks from Dr. Aysha Al Malki, President of AABTS, and Dr. Sara Adel, Chair of the Conference Scientific Planning Committee. They emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based practices in transfusion medicine. Dr. Yuyun Maryuningish presented the World Health Organization’s Strategic Framework for Blood Safety and Availability, highlighting global priorities.
Program Highlights
Experts such as Dr. Michael Busch (USA), Dr. Shruthi Narayan (UK), Dr. John Walter Scott (Qatar), and Dr. Maha Badawi (KSA) discussed the role of big data, hemovigilance surveillance, artificial intelligence, and techniques for effective research in advancing transfusion medicine. Their presentations highlighted the impact of emerging information technologies, innovative data management and research in advancing transfusion practices.
The session on patient blood management (PBM) led by Dr. Philip Crispin (Australia) and Dr. Salwa Hindawi (KSA) explored practical approaches to implementing PBM protocols in hospitals. The speakers addressed challenges, shared success stories, and emphasized the value of evidence-based practices in enhancing patient care and reducing unnecessary transfusions.
The emergency preparedness session, presented by Dr. Khadija Lahjouji (Morocco), Dr. Rita Feghali (Lebanon), and Mr. Brendon Morris (Qatar), offered practical insights into managing blood supplies and ensuring effective communication with various entities during disasters. These discussions underscored the need for robust systems, strategic planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration to prepare for emergencies.
Building on the theme of massive hemorrhage management, notable speakers, including Dr. Ruben Peralta (Qatar), Dr. Arwa Al Riyami (Oman), Dr. Ahmed Al Bahrani (KSA), and Dr. Juan Duchesne (USA), shared their experiences and provided updates on massive transfusion protocols, the management of intraoperative bleeding, and the use of low-titer group O whole blood in massive transfusion scenarios.
Group picture
Lectures by Dr. Hans Vrielink (Netherlands), Dr. Saloua Hmissi (Qatar), and Dr. Deanna C. Fang (USA) explored topics such as T-cell collection for CAR T-cell therapy, therapeutic apheresis, and the use of HLA-typed cellular products as a desensitization strategy in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Insights from Dr. Hanady Samaha (Lebanon) and Dr. Stella T. Chou (USA) focused on transfusion strategies and management in hematological malignancy disorders.
The session on rare blood group programs addressed the critical need for a coordinated approach to managing rare blood types in Arab countries. Dr. Zainab Al Arimi (Oman) discussed challenges in establishing a regional rare blood group registry, while Dr. Hanan Al Awadi (Kuwait) shared Kuwait’s experience with red cell genotyping.
Experts such as Prof. Christian Seidl (Germany) and Dr. Reem Al Radwan (Kuwait) emphasized adopting good manufacturing practices and innovative technologies to enhance safety and efficiency. This session provided actionable strategies for improving blood collection, processing, and transfusion services in the region.
The country reports session featured representatives from countries including Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, who shared their achievements and challenges, offering a comprehensive view of the region’s progress in transfusion medicine. These presentations fostered knowledge sharing and underscored the potential for collaboration among Arab nations.
In addition, the AABB conducted a workshop on quality systems, auditing principles, and accreditation for blood centers and transfusion services, providing participants with essential knowledge to enhance transfusion practices. Other workshops, such as "Transfusion Reaction: Best Practices for Nurses and Technologists", "5 Lessons for Your First Research Project", and "Quality Improvement in Blood Donation", offered hands-on learning and expert insights.
The conference facilitated interdisciplinary collaboration, bridging gaps to improve patient outcomes across the Arab world. Attendees departed equipped with actionable strategies, advanced knowledge, and strengthened professional networks to advance transfusion medicine in their regions. It provided a platform for addressing region-specific challenges while embracing global trends, aiming to inspire transfusion excellence across Arab nations.
