Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, marks Sunflower Day on 19 September by exploring a life-saving question: Who can be a stem cell donor? It’s time to separate myth from fact and understand how everyday South Africans could help save lives.
Every year, thousands of people worldwide are diagnosed with blood cancers and severe disorders such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and aplastic anaemia. For many of these patients, a blood stem cell transplant is their best, or only, chance at survival. But finding a compatible donor is incredibly difficult. In fact, the odds of being a perfect match for someone are around 1 in 100,000.
That’s why Sunflower Day, supported by DKMS Africa (formerly the Sunflower Fund), is about more than just raising awareness – it’s about growing a donor registry that’s as diverse as our nation.
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are the body’s building blocks, cells that can develop into many different types of cells. For patients with blood-related diseases, haematopoietic stem cells (found in bone marrow and circulating blood) are crucial for producing healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
A blood stem cell transplant replaces a patient’s damaged or diseased cells with healthy ones from a donor. Contrary to popular belief, it’s usually not a surgical procedure. Most donations are similar to giving blood.
MYTH #1: “Stem cell donation is painful or requires surgery.”
FACT: Most donations (around 90%) are done through peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donation—a non-surgical outpatient procedure. The donor takes medication for a few days to increase stem cell production, then is connected to a machine that collects the cells from their blood, returning the rest into their body.
In rare cases (approximately 10%), bone marrow donation is required. This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, and most donors resume normal activities within a few days.
MYTH #2: “I’m too old or unhealthy to register.”
FACT: You can register if you’re between 18 and 55, in good general health, and meet basic medical criteria. While certain conditions, such as cancer, HIV, or autoimmune diseases, may exclude you, many other manageable health issues won’t.
MYTH #3: “Only international patients benefit from stem cell donation.”
FACT: While donor registries are global, many South African patients struggle to find matches due to low local representation. By joining the South African registry, you could save someone’s life right here at home.
MYTH #4: “If I join the registry, I’ll have to donate right away.”
FACT: Joining the registry means you’re willing to donate if you’re a match, but it doesn’t mean you’ll be called immediately. Most donors remain on the registry for years without ever being matched. But if your DNA is the one someone’s life depends on, you’ll be contacted and taken through every step with complete medical guidance and counselling.
Why South Africa Needs You
Because genetic matching depends on ancestry, patients are more likely to find donors within their own ethnic group. Yet, African and other non-European populations are critically underrepresented on global donor registries.
South Africa’s diversity is our strength, but only if it’s reflected in the stem cell registry.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a donor is not about making a grand sacrifice; it’s about being available and ready to say yes if you’re someone’s only chance. The process is safe, and support is provided at every step. Eligible individuals are encouraged to register and learn the facts about stem cell donation. Through services such as 24/7 telehealth GP consultations, unlimited managed visits to Medical Society centres, and cover for serious illnesses, Affinity Health provides access to preventative care, diagnosis, and life-saving treatment options.