Welcome Message

Dear friends and colleagues,

The Africa Society for Blood transfusion (AfSBT) is pleased to welcome you to the 12th International Congress that will be held in Windhoek, Namibia from 23 to 26 March 2026.

Many African countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, face major challenges in ensuring blood availability and safety due to limited political commitment, high rates of transfusion-transmissible infections, a shortage of trained personnel, inadequate infrastructure and low funding opportunities.

AfSBT’s biannual congresses offer valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and practical problem-solving among professionals from Africa and beyond.

On behalf of AfSBT, I warmly thank you all for your attendance and participation in this congress. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Government of Namibia and the Local Organizing Committee for hosting this important event, as well as to our distinguished speakers and indispensable sponsors who made it possible. Special thanks also go to the organizing and scientific committees for delivering a high-standard program.

I encourage everyone to engage in meaningful networking, exchange experiences, and take valuable insights back to your countries.

Professor Saliou Diop,
President, AfSBT

Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the world’s largest biotechnology company and the global leader in invitro diagnostics. The company strives for scientific excellence in the discovery and development of pharmaceutical and diagnostic solutions, with the aim of enhancing and saving human lives globally. We are a pioneer in personalized healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person, we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with real-world data insights.

In recognition of our endeavor to pursue a long-term perspective in all we do, Roche has been name done of the most sustainable companies in the pharmaceuticals industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for the fifteenth consecutive year. This distinction also reflects our efforts to improve access to healthcare together with local partners. Genentech in the United States is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan.

At Roche, we are dedicated to helping you save patients' lives by providing state-of-the-art blood safety solutions now and in the future. The vision of RBSS is to enhance blood safety through reliable system and assay performance, personalized lab automation, and digital solutions, all supported by continuous portfolio expansion to address key customer needs.

For more information, please visit www.roche.com and the Roche Exhibition Booth for more on our innovative Blood Safety Solutions.

NBI, a South African non-profit pharmaceutical manufacturer, specialises in plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs) including clotting factors, immunoglobulins, and albumin solutions. Established in 1995, NBI provides quality, cost-effective therapies aligned with WHO’s Essential medicines list and SAHPRA regulatory standards. Recognising the challenges African countries face in accessing PDMPs due to limited plasma that meets fractionation standards, NBI launched the Plasma from Africa for Africans programme in 2021. Through partnerships with blood establishments advancing through AfSBT’s Step-Wise Accreditation Programme, the initiative strengthens quality systems and builds capacity for plasma collection that meets fractionation standards. By supporting plasma procurement, contract manufacturing, and technical development for blood services across Africa, NBI seeks to make PDMPs affordable and drive regional self-reliance. Through current collaborations, NBI has witnessed countries achieve significant progress in GMP compliance, quality management systems, and investment in infrastructure. At the 2026 AfSBT Congress, NBI looks forward to sharing insights and deepening partnerships to advance PDMP access and self-sufficiency across Africa.

Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a medical technology company. Our products, software and services enable customers to collect and prepare blood and cells to help treat challenging diseases and conditions. Our employees around the world believe in the potential of blood and cells to do even more for patients than they do today. This belief inspires our innovation and strengthens our collaboration with customers. 

Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies' customers include blood centers, hospitals, therapeutic apheresis clinics, cell collection and processing organizations, researchers and private medical practices. Our customers are based in over 150 countries across the globe. We have 750+ granted patents, with more than 150 additionally pending. 

We have global headquarters in Lakewood, Colo., U.S.A., along with five regional headquarters, seven manufacturing sites and six innovation and development centers across the globe. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a subsidiary of Terumo Corporation (TSE: 4543), a global leader in medical technology.  

www.terumobct.com

IA global leader in clinical diagnostics, Beckman Coulter Diagnostics has challenged convention to elevate the diagnostic laboratory’s role in improving patient health for more than 80 years. Our mission is to Relentlessly Reimagine Healthcare, One Diagnosis at a Time – and we do this by applying the power of science, technology and the passion and creativity of our teams. Our diagnostic solutions are used in complex clinical testing, and are found in hospitals, reference laboratories and physician office settings around the globe. We exist to deliver smarter, faster diagnostic solutions that move the needle forward from what’s now to what’s next. We do this by accelerating care with an extensive clinical menu, scalable lab automation technologies, insightful clinical informatics, and optimize lab performance services.

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics | Beckman Coulter

Ilex South Africa (PTY) LTD
Ilex South Africa is a trusted partner in the supply and support of advanced diagnostic solutions across Southern Africa. With a core focus on laboratory diagnostics, transfusion medicine, and molecular testing. Ilex South Africa collaborates with internationally recognised manufacturers to provide innovative technologies tailored to the evolving needs of healthcare systems.

As a Platinum Sponsor of the AFSBT Congress 2026, Ilex South Africa reaffirms its commitment to supporting excellence in transfusion services and promoting scientific advancement within the field of blood safety and diagnostics.

Backed by a highly skilled team of professionals, we offer end-to-end support, from consultation and installation to training, maintenance, and after-sales service. Our customer-centric approach ensures optimal performance and reliability of the solutions we deliver, helping laboratories and blood services operate with precision and confidence.

At Ilex South Africa, we believe in building long-term partnerships based on integrity and shared growth by driving innovation, improving patient outcomes, and contributing meaningfully to the healthcare landscape in Africa.

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