The Igazi Foundation has officially launched the Eastern Cape’s first comprehensive haematology unit, catapulting the province into the stem cell age.
The R20m unit was established by Dr Neil Littleton in response to the high incidence of blood cancers in the Eastern Cape.
He says stem cell treatment is the future of medicine.
Littleton, who performed the Eastern Cape’s first haematological stem cell transplant, says pioneering work is being done on using stem cells to treat all types of diseases.
He says strong national and international interest has already been shown in the Aloe Igazi Haematology Unit, which was the result of two years of lobbying.
Eastern Cape Health Department superintendent-general, dr Siva Pillay said the unit is an example of what can be achieved when people come together for a common purpose.
Addressing local and international dignitaries at last night’s official launch, Pillay paid tribute to Dr Littleton for his dedication to the project.
