UKZN Making a Difference

BY: .

UKZN, represented by its Corporate Relations Division’s Executive Director, Ms Normah Zondo, visited the Department of Clinical Haematology at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in Durban to hand over items collected during Mandela Month.

The initiative, supported by the DKMS AFRICA (Stem Cell Registry and Donor Centre) is a part of UKZN’s community engagement in the fight against blood cancer and other blood conditions.

Items handed over included roll-on deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bath soap and towels collected by the students to assist patients in need diagnosed with blood cancer.

UKZN’s collaboration with the Centre started after Master of Commerce student Mr Kwazinkosi Mhlongo became a blood stem cell donor through DKMS AFRICA. Mhlongo who once said he ‘dreamed of becoming a medical doctor and assisting others’ is now part of the DKMS AFRICA as a patient services co-ordinator.

Clinical haematologist at the hospital, Dr Sharlene Parasnath, said the items would be very helpful as patients often do not come to the hospital with toiletries. Parasnath raised concerns about cancer survivors who do not attend school, sometimes missing a few years while undergoing treatment and end up not wanting to go back to class. ‘We try to educate them while they are in hospital to keep them motivated,’ said Parasnath.

Zondo said the initiative would continue on a monthly basis with a variety of donations to make sure that the patients have toiletries while at the hospital.

DKMS AFRICA Regional Donor Recruitment team leader, Mr Xolani Hlongwane, said such donations play an important part in helping young patients get through the tough times.

Words: Zama Khoza

Photograph: Andile Ndlovu