Cyprus is a country that has always struggled with a shortage of bone marrow donors. This shortage has resulted in an urgent need to establish a bone marrow bank that caters to the needs of local patients and increases the chances of saving lives.

Cyprus has a population of about 1.27 million but only two bone marrow donors, making it one of the countries with the lowest bone marrow donor rates relative to the population. This article explores the steps Cyprus needs to take to establish a bone marrow bank and, in the process, alleviate the country’s struggles with a shortage of donors.

Understanding Bone Marrow and Bone Marrow Transplants

Bone marrow is the soft, fatty tissue inside bones that produces blood cells. When someone needs a bone marrow transplant, it means that their bone marrow is not producing enough healthy blood cells due to disease, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

To treat this condition, a patient requires new, healthy bone marrow cells from a donor. Donors are often a relative, but if a match isn’t found within the family, the patient has to find a donor elsewhere. This is where bone marrow banks come in.

The Importance of Establishing a Bone Marrow Bank in Cyprus

Establishing a bone marrow bank in Cyprus is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it will save lives. A bone marrow transplant is the only known cure for many blood-related diseases, including leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, and thalassemia.

Secondly, having a bone marrow bank will increase the chance of finding a match for people of Cypriot origin who need a transplant. Thirdly, a bone marrow bank will reduce the cost of a bone marrow transplant for patients. In Cyprus, patients pay between €20,000 and €30,000 for a bone marrow transplant from a foreign donor because of shipping and transplant costs.

With a bone marrow bank, costs will decrease because donors will be found locally. Finally, having a bone marrow bank will encourage more people to become bone marrow donors, and as a result, increase the number of donors in Cyprus.

What Are the Steps Needed to Establish a Bone Marrow Bank?

To establish a bone marrow bank in Cyprus, the following steps are required:.

1. Legislator Support

The first step is to get the support of legislators to pass a law and create a national registry for bone marrow donors.

It is critical to have the necessary legislation in place to ensure that the establishment and operation of the bone marrow bank are legal.

2. Funding

Funding plays a significant role in the establishment of a bone marrow bank. The government will need to put funds towards setting up the bank, training personnel, and covering operating expenses.

However, it is worth noting that even with government funding, additional funding will be required for financing the bank in the future.

3. Recruitment of Donors

Once the bone marrow bank is established, the next task is to recruit bone marrow donors. The bank should target individuals of Cypriot origin, but donors of different ethnicities are also welcome.

The bank will need to partner with local hospitals and medical practitioners to rally more donors.

4. Medical Testing and Evaluations

After recruitment, potential donors will be tested and evaluated for their compatibility with those in need of a bone marrow transplant.

This process involves taking a sample of the donor’s blood and tissue for screening and matching with patients. The bank will also require medical professionals qualified in transplantation and tissue typing.

5. Operate as a Central Registry

The bone marrow bank should operate as a central registry for bone marrow donors, making it easier for doctors and transplant coordinators looking for a donor to find a match.

The registry should be updated regularly and have an efficient, well-managed system that can quickly and easily identify donors.

6. Raise Awareness

Establishing a bone marrow bank in Cyprus also involves raising awareness about the importance of bone marrow donation. The bank can run campaigns, partner with local media, and engage with community groups to encourage more people to become donors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, establishing a bone marrow bank in Cyprus is crucial. The benefits of having a bone marrow bank are immense, from increasing the chances of finding a match for patients to reducing the cost of a bone marrow transplant.

However, this process involves several steps, including gaining support from legislators, securing funding, recruiting donors, testing and evaluating potential donors, operating as a central registry, and raising awareness. If Cyprus can successfully establish a bone marrow bank, it will undoubtedly ease the struggles associated with a shortage of bone marrow donors in the country and ultimately save lives.