Academy
5th Annual Conference of BBMT-Pakistan
The 5th Annual Conference of Bring Brilliant Minds of Transfusion (BBMT) Pakistan was successfully held in the serene and picturesque island of Langkawi, Malaysia. The conference was attended by a total of 202 participants, comprising 123 who joined via Zoom and 79 who attended in person. The attendees represented a diverse group of professionals and experts in transfusion medicine, haematology, and related fields.
The speakers included individuals from Pakistan, the Netherlands, Canada, the UK, Cyprus, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Lithuania. It served as a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing and encouraging partnerships, especially with the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT). The two-day event featured rich discussions, groundbreaking research, and innovative strategies focused on improving blood transfusion services and addressing thalassaemia and associated disorders.
Some of the speakers from our 5th Annual Conference
The conference commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran and the national anthem of Pakistan. Dure Naz Jamal, President of BBMT-Pakistan, warmly welcomed the participants, highlighting the organization's milestones and the significance of international collaboration. Usman Waheed, Secretary General of BBMT-Pakistan, presented the annual progress report, outlining achievements and future objectives.
Jenny White, Executive Director of ISBT, played a pivotal role in the event, chairing sessions on governance, quality management, and education in blood transfusion services. She emphasized the importance of international collaboration and the adoption of global standards in transfusion medicine. Her presentations on quality management and the accreditation of blood centres underscored the value of robust systems and global benchmarks to improve the safety and efficiency of blood transfusion services. Jenny's active engagement highlighted ISBT’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s initiatives in transfusion medicine.
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Day 1
The first day was dedicated to blood transfusion services. The opening session underscored milestones in transfusion services. A special supplement of the Annals of PIMS was launched, featuring all abstracts, key articles and messages from health ministers.
Session 1: Governance and Regulation explored global and national policies, challenges in safe blood transfusion, and the critical need for robust data management. Key speakers highlighted Pakistan's progress and gaps in regulatory compliance. Session 2: Quality Management and Education emphasized the role of standardized curricula and quality accreditation in elevating transfusion medicine practices. Experts stressed collaborative strategies to improve education and clinical outcomes. Session 3: Innovation in Transfusion Medicine addressed cutting-edge solutions like nucleic acid testing, leucoreduction, and plasma fractionation. Challenges in affordability and infrastructure were noted, alongside recommendations for improving blood safety and donor care.
Day 2
The second day focused on Thalassaemia and Associated Disorders. Practical strategies like haemoglobin augmentation therapy and national thalassaemia management initiatives were discussed. Session 1: Prevention Strategies included actionable measures and collaborative approaches to tackle the disease's prevalence. Session 2: Advanced Management highlighted innovative therapies, such as thalidomide treatments, to make thalassaemics transfusion-free. Insights on autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and patient resilience were also shared.
The conference concluded with the distribution of certificates and souvenirs. A gala dinner provided a fitting finale, celebrating the achievements and collaborations forged during the two-day event. Several interactive games were organized to encourage stronger connections and camaraderie among the participants.
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The conference emphasized the need for global collaboration in blood transfusion governance, standardized education, innovative medical strategies, and actionable solutions for thalassaemia management. Participants praised the event's organization and knowledge exchange, solidifying BBMT-Pakistan's role in advancing transfusion medicine and healthcare.
Key takeaways included: (i) strengthening BTS governance: emphasis on global collaboration and data management, (ii) educational reforms: need for standardized curricula and enhanced training programmes. Leadership course for Pakistani BTS professionals, (iii) innovative strategies: advocacy for technologies like NAT and leucoreduced filters. Adjusting ideal volume of a single blood bag collection specific to Pakistani population, and (iv) thalassaemia prevention and management: practical solutions and advancements in thalidomide therapies and diagnostics.
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Jenny White
The ISBT’s involvement in the conference underscored the importance of international partnerships in achieving sustainable progress. Jenny White’s expertise and the ISBT’s global initiatives provided a framework for Pakistan to align its efforts with international standards. This collaboration facilitated the exchange of best practices, particularly in quality management and donor safety, and inspired actionable strategies to strengthen BTS governance and education.
ISBT Academy Support
ARE YOU ORGANIZING AN EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AFTER APRIL 1, 2025?
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Apply for ISBT Academy Support, which is available for educational activities, the use of the ISBT logo and the ISBT endorsement of an existing educational course.
- Applications from countries in the Low, Lower Middle or Upper Middle World Bank Index categories are eligible
- Organisations from High Income Countries can only request financial support if it is intended to support the attendance of a participant from an eligible country, or if the HIC is hosting an educational activity in an eligible host country.
Each organization can only submit one application for financial support in a given year and can request to use the ISBT logo as many times as required.
