Mangalore, Mar 03: In a powerful display of youth-led social responsibility, DKMS Foundation India has successfully registered 2,644 potential stem cell donors across eight colleges in Mangalore within just one week—marking the organization’s highest-ever donor registration drive at a single location over such a short period.
The initiative, conducted in collaboration with leading institutions in the Dakshin Kannada region—including Srinivasa University, St. Joseph’s Engineering College, Canara Engineering College, Mangala Group of Institutions, Vijaya College, Alva’s Group of Institutions, Karavali College of Pharmacy, and Dr. P. Dayananda Pai – P. Satisha Pai Government First Grade College—witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and volunteers.
The week-long awareness drive highlighted the life-saving potential of stem cell donation for patients battling blood cancers and disorders such as Leukemia, Thalassemia, and Aplastic anemia.
“Every new donor represents hope for a patient waiting for a match,” said Patrick Paul, Executive Chairman of DKMS India. “A stem cell match is determined by genetic markers, which vary by ancestry and ethnicity. By registering donors from a diverse region like Mangalore, we are expanding the chances of finding matches for patients who may otherwise have none.”
Highlighting the educational impact of the initiative, Prathibha K N, Assistant Professor and NSS Coordinator at St. Joseph’s Engineering College, said, “The awareness sessions were highly informative and helped address misconceptions around stem cell donation. More importantly, they inspired students to take action. Beyond the numbers, the drive fostered empathy and a strong sense of social responsibility among young participants.”
Addressing India’s Critical Donor Gap
In India, one person is diagnosed with a blood cancer or disorder every five minutes, and nearly 70% of patients requiring a stem cell transplant depend on unrelated donors. However, only about 0.09% of the eligible population is currently registered as stem cell donors, underscoring the urgent need for large-scale awareness and participation.
With over 250,000 registered donors in India and more than 250 lives already impacted, DKMS Foundation India continues to play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s donor registry.
Youth-Led Change Driving Impact
The success of the Mangalore drive underscores the growing awareness among young Indians and highlights the critical role student communities play in bridging the donor gap. By contributing to a more diverse donor pool, such initiatives significantly enhance the chances of finding life-saving matches for patients across varied genetic backgrounds.
