Advancing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) in Africa: A Pathway to Curing Hematological Disorders

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers a curative option for numerous hematological disorders, notably sickle cell disease and thalassemia, which are highly prevalent in Africa. Despite its potential, access to HSCT remains limited due to infrastructural, economic, and socio-cultural challenges across the continent.

This review synthesizes current literature and reports on the status of HSCT in Africa, analyzing data from existing transplant centers, national registries, and peer-reviewed studies to assess progress, challenges, and prospects for expanding HSCT services.

Out of 54 African countries, only seven perform HSCT, with considerable disparities in the number of procedures, donor availability, and infrastructure. Major barriers include inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited trained personnel, scarcity of donors, high costs, cultural misconceptions, and poor documentation. Notably, progress has been made in Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, Tanzania and Algeria, but the overall transplant rate remains low. Emerging strategies such as regional collaborations, the development of African-specific donor registries, and technological innovations are being explored to improve access and outcomes.

While HSCT in Africa is still in its infancy, strategic investments in infrastructure, capacity building, donor registry development, and regional cooperation hold promise for broader access. Integrating technological advances and policy support can accelerate progress, transforming HSCT into a sustainable, accessible curative therapy for hematological disorders across the continent.