Message from the ISBT President

Dear Colleagues,

The XXth Regional Congress of the ISBT, Asia will take place in Japan at the Nagoya Congress Center from November 14 – 18, 2009. Congress President Shigeru Takamoto, local organising committee chairman Hitoshi Ohto, and international scientific committee chair Kenji Tadokoro have put together impressive committees which are working hard to present an excellent programme providing an overview of the latest developments in transfusion medicine.

Globally, we have to adjust to aging populations and a general decrease in altruistic behaviour in our rapidly developing societies. No biotechnical substitutes to standard blood components will become available for routine use in the next few years. On the contrary, due to the implementation of more complex surgical procedures the demand for blood products will even increase. Blood products have to be as safe as possible but ensuring a sufficient supply is also vital. Furthermore, medical counselling and close cooperation with our clinical colleagues are key elements in making optimal use of scarce blood components. Transfusion medicine must be a part of medical training since blood transfusion still plays a critical role in supportive patient care in modern medicine.

The Nagoya area, with its rich cultural heritage, offers a great setting for a stimulating and productive congress. I would like to thank all the members of the committees mentioned above for their contributions so far and in the future. I am sure that the XXth Regional Congress of the ISBT, Asia in Nagoya will not only be extremely helpful to you in your daily work and strategic planning for transfusion medicine but will also be a great opportunity to meet with your colleagues in a wonderful setting. I am therefore honoured and pleased to cordially invite you to the XXth Regional Congress of the ISBT, Asia in Nagoya, Japan in November 2009. Be sure to mark it on your calendar! The warm hospitality of our Past-President will make this congress unforgettable.

Sincerely,

Prof. Dr. Erhard Seifried
President of the ISBT