We have considered the programme of the Mauritius Congress. We believe it could be shortened by one day without affecting the quality of the meeting or impacting on the time allocated to the presentations, discussions and seminars. This will decrease the cost to all attendees and shorten the time that they will be away from home or work. We have therefore decided that the programme will be from 4 June 2012 to 7 June 2012.

Abstracts are welcome and if selected, will figure prominently in the congress book.
Please note the deadline for submission is 14 March 2012.

Dear colleagues and friends,

On behalf of the Africa Society for Blood Transfusion and the Organising Committee, it is a pleasure to invite you to our 6th International Congress in the beautiful island of Mauritius.

This is an important congress and there will be an exciting programme. The theme of the congress is

Training and Quality lead to Safe and Sustainable Blood Services

The programme will cover topics relevant to all of us involved in the transfusion chain from the blood donor to the recipient of blood products. There will be an Education Day supported by the International Society of Blood Transfusion Academy.

It is also planned to hold a one day workshop on the last day of the congress, on the AfSBT Step-Wise Accreditation programme. This workshop is supported by the AABB.

We recognize that you have experience in the field of blood transfusion and therefore invite you to give a presentation that reflects your experience and expertise, at our congress.

Finally why not combine science with pleasure by taking the opportunity to see more of this acclaimed paradise island of Mauritius with its surrounding ambiance and magnificent shorelines and coral reefs.

Dr Konate Séidou
President
Africa Society for Blood Transfusion

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It is my great pleasure and honour to welcome you to the 6th Congress of the Africa Society of Blood Transfusion in Mauritius.

The theme of this congress "Training and Quality lead to safe and sustainable Blood Services" is very aptly chosen and relevant to our part of the world. Blood Services in African countries are at different stages of development. Most African countries are still struggling with providing adequate blood supplies to meet the rising demands. This, coupled with high prevalence of HIV and other transfusion transmissible diseases and a paucity of trained and skilled manpower makes the task of Blood Services extremely challenging and difficult.

This congress provides an exciting scientific program, dealing with all aspects of blood safety and adequacy with particular emphasis on African situation. ISBT Academy Education day, which will be held a day prior to the congress will focus on transfusion safety and will deal with transfusion approaches in different clinical situations. Another important and not to miss event is AfSBT-AABB step-wise accreditation It is our hope that the chosen themes will give an opportunity to all participants to brainstorm on the way forward for Blood Services in Africa.

Mauritius, a small island developing nation in the Indian Ocean, has taken on the challenge of organizing this important event and we are sure we will meet the expectations of one and all. In contrast to mainland Africa where most blood supplies are used for treating malaria or pregnancy related complications, Mauritius has a significant and rising burden of Non Communicable Diseases. With a population of 1.2 Million, a free and high tech public health service and promotion of medical tourism in the country, meeting transfusion requirements is becoming more and more difficult. The congress will hopefully give us an opportunity to share experiences and network with Blood Services in other parts of the world to strengthen our own service.

We are known to the outside world as a tourist destination. This congress, added to the scientific feast, also caters for exciting social events which will provide an excellent opportunity to one and all to explore our paradise island and enjoy its scenic beauty. I hope you will take some time to enjoy our beautiful sandy beaches and warm hospitality of Mauritians.

I look forward to seeing you all in Mauritius in June 2012.

Dr Janaki Sonoo
Chairperson
Local Organizing Committee