Academy
South African National Blood Transfusion Congress
Wendy Sykes
South African National Blood Service, Durban, South Africa
Riana Cockerman
South African National Blood Service, Durban, South Africa
The 37th South African National Blood Transfusion Congress was held between the 25th to 28th August 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The theme of the Congress was “Sharing Knowledge, Celebrating Success”. The congress was organised by the South African Society for Blood Transfusion, a not-for-profit entity including directors and members of both blood services in South Africa (the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS).
The key highlights were:
- 420 delegates attended (285 full registrations and 135 day delegates).
- 77 abstracts were submitted, of which 36 were accepted for oral presentation, and 37 for poster presentation.
- 38 talks were delivered by invited expert speakers, which included 10 local and 8 international speakers spanning Canada, USA, Sweden, Australia and Ethiopia. • In addition to the scientific content, 3 Workshops were convened on the first day of the Congress, offering delegates developmental opportunities: o Keeping up with the kids – navigating AI o Both/And thinking: managing polarities for collaborative success o The what, why and how of research data management • 45 trade exhibition stands were taken up by 27 companies. • 4 table exhibitors and 1 Corporate Social Responsibility table exhibitor • Delegates attended several social events – which included the opening of the Trade Exhibition, the early morning Fun Run & social outreach event, the Casual Dinner and inter-regional singing competition, and the Gala Dinner.
The organisers of the congress were kindly granted € 7,700.58 (ID: 2025A-04) by the ISBT Academy, which was utilised to fund the attendance of an invited speaker (from Ethiopia) and delegates from African countries. The Scientific Program can be accessed via here.
Some of the SANBTC organizing committee at the early morning Fun Run - theme: Back to School
Invited speakers, Claire Barrett and Paddy Knox, with Organising Committee members, Greg Bellairs and Caroline Hilton
Invited speakers, Martin Olsson and Jill Storry, having a much-needed break between sessions.
Ethics debate: Should people using PREP be allowed to donate?
The organisers wish to thank the ISBT, the sponsors, and the exhibitors for their financial support, as well as all delegates and speakers who ensured that this was yet another successful congress on the African continent. We must highlight the generosity of the delegates who supported our Corporate Social Responsibility initiative by donating cash, pre-loved clothing items and stationery to Kids Haven.
The next South African National Blood Transfusion Congress will be held in 2027 and further details will be released in due course
