The Al-Mujtaba Center for Bone Marrow Transplantation and Hematology, part of the Health and Medical Education Authority at the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, presented a scientific paper at the Fourth Emirates Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant and Gene Therapy Congress, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

In a statement received by Karbala Now News Agency, the center reported that the paper—presented by Dr. Hanfi Ahmed Hafidh, Head of the Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Program—was titled “Challenges and Achievements in Establishing a Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Program in a Developing Country: The Experience of One Center in Iraq.” Dr. Hafidh reviewed the center’s experience in developing the program and improving its performance in line with international standards.

The statement explained that the research outlined the program’s development since 2014, including the establishment of stem cell laboratories, the implementation of strict infection-control protocols, and the training of qualified medical and nursing staff according to global guidelines.

According to the statement, the study’s results showed the successful completion of 30 pediatric bone marrow transplants for children under 15 years old—24 autologous and 6 allogeneic. In cases of neuroblastoma, the program achieved a disease-free survival (DFS) rate of 57.8% and an overall survival (OS) rate of 80%, with no transplant-related deaths recorded during the first 100 days.

The statement added that this scientific contribution highlights the ongoing research efforts and advancements in treatment at Al-Mujtaba Center, as well as the commitment of the Health and Medical Education Authority at the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain to elevate pediatric bone marrow transplantation services in Iraq. These efforts aim to enhance specialized healthcare for children with blood disorders and cancers while ensuring the highest clinical standards.