12th congress of the Société Africaine Francophone d'Hématologie (SAFHEMA) held in Lomé

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Extract from the article: From May 15 to 17, 2024, Lomé hosted the 12th congress of the Société Africaine Francophone d'Hématologie (SAFHEMA) and the 1st of the Société Togolaise d'hématologie, d'immunologie et de transfusion sanguine (SoTHI-TS). The meeting brought together

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From May 15 to 17, 2024, Lomé hosted the 12th congress of the Société Africaine Francophone d'Hématologie (SAFHEMA) and the 1st of the Société Togolaise d'hématologie, d'immunologie et de transfusion sanguine (SoTHI-TS). The meeting brought together some sixty specialists from French-speaking African countries to discuss « Malignant Hematopathies, Sickle Cell Disease, Hemostasis Pathologies, Blood Transfusion and Immunology of Tumors and Infections ». The conference provided an opportunity for hematologists to share knowledge on advances in the diagnosis and management of blood diseases, the primary therapy for which is blood transfusion. The meeting was opened by the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Pr Moustafa Mijiyawa.

During the conference, experts took stock of advances in the diagnosis and management of blood-related diseases. They assessed developments in hematology, immunology and blood transfusion.They also commented on developments in treatment, given that new drugs are being discovered which are improving results. According to Pr Moustafa Mijiyawa, Togo has opted to set up the Universal Health Insurance (UHI) mechanism to compensate for this shortage of resources and ensure access to quality care for all.He was delighted with the choice of theme and presentations, which he felt were in line with the concerns of the population.

The President of the Société Africaine Francophone d'Hématologie (SAFHEMA), Pr Saliou Diop, for his part, pointed out that after thirty years of existence and more than a dozen congresses, SAFHEMA has succeeded in inspiring vocations, enlarging the family of hematologists and strengthening the capacity of specialists in the field to provide care.

However, these successes should not overshadow the many challenges, such as the poor management of diagnostic possibilities and blood diseases in a decentralized healthcare system, the low availability of reference laboratories, the low availability of safe, quality blood products, and little access to the new drugs used in hematology.

For the President of the Société Togolaise d'Hématologie, d'Immunologie et de Transfusion Sanguine (SoTHI-TS), Pr Lochina Fètèkè, blood-related diseases must be a focus of attention for all health professionals.Sickle cell disease, for example, is a condition that affects the red blood cells, but also has major repercussions on the body's organs, calling for holistic, long-term treatment.

The congress will highlight research and development efforts, as well as initiatives to improve quality of care and access to treatment for patients.

With the presence of international specialists, the congress promises to be an enriching crossroads of ideas, conducive to collaboration and the advancement of hematological medicine on the continent.

William O.