In November 2024, Muscat welcomed the esteemed XIXth Annual Congress of the Asian Association of Transfusion Medicine (AATM) at the Sheraton Oman Hotel. Organised by InfoPlus Events LLC, this landmark two-day event held on 11–12 November brought together over 300 professionals—including physicians, laboratory specialists, and key figures from both public and private health sectors in Oman and abroad.
Congress Theme & Objectives
The theme of the congress, ‘Bridging the Gap for Blood Safety: Empowering Donors, Safeguarding Patients’, reflected AATM’s unwavering commitment to enhancing blood safety protocols across its 23 Asian member nations. The event emphasized the importance of empowering blood donors and ensuring patient welfare through collaborative healthcare practices. AATM, with over 25 years of experience, spans 48 countries and maintains active branches in 24 of them, demonstrating its global significance in the field of transfusion medicine.
Scientific Agenda & Highlights
The congress featured 15 comprehensive scientific sessions that delved into various pivotal areas including accreditation, hemovigilance, immunohematology, plasma separation, medical innovation, and advanced blood bank technology. Attendees benefited from a series of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote lectures conducted in collaboration with renowned international bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB), and AATM itself. The first day focused on topics such as maternal blood management, innovations in immunohematology, and the use of artificial intelligence in transfusion practices. Research from Oman highlighted high-frequency antigen studies, while experts from Saudi Arabia showcased AI-driven donor screening innovations. The second day continued with discussions on automation in blood services, digital transformation strategies, enhancing plasma self-sufficiency, and the implementation of improved clinical transfusion protocols.
Featured Speakers & Leadership
The event was led by several distinguished experts. Dr. Zainab Salim Al‑Araimi, Congress Chairperson and Director of Oman’s Blood Bank Services, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the critical connection between donor empowerment and patient safety. Dr. Nabajyoti Choudhury, AATM President and Medical Director of the Dibrugarh Cancer Center in India, provided a detailed overview of AATM’s evolution and its growing influence across the Asian region. Delegates from WHO, global blood transfusion associations, and regional leaders further enriched the scientific and policy-based discourse.
Networking, Sponsorship & Support
The congress also hosted a vibrant exhibition that showcased cutting-edge technologies, services, and products in the transfusion field. The event was supported by diamond, platinum, and titanium sponsors, as well as industry and media partners. Leading sponsors included Bio‑Rad, Roche, Octapharma, Abbott, and Bahwan Healthcare. Additional support was provided by Ominvest and Daleel Petroleum, among others. These collaborations underscored the critical role of industry–academic partnerships in advancing transfusion medicine.
Impact & Takeaways
The XIXth AATM Congress 2024 succeeded in creating an impactful platform for knowledge-sharing and professional networking. It addressed universal challenges such as donor retention, regulatory compliance, blood safety, and quality monitoring. Attendees left with pioneering insights into digital innovation, automation, and strategies for achieving plasma therapy self-sufficiency—setting the foundation for more efficient and safe blood services across the region.
Why InfoPlus Events Oman Delivered Excellence
InfoPlus Events Oman demonstrated exceptional capability in organizing this large-scale international congress. From meticulous logistics and programme development to curating a distinguished lineup of speakers and partners, the execution was seamless. The event further cemented Oman’s growing leadership in medical research, healthcare innovation, and regional health diplomacy.
Conclusion
The XIXth AATM Congress 2024 was a resounding success—achieving its objective of bridging the gaps in blood safety and fostering a collaborative environment for donor and patient care. InfoPlus Events Oman takes pride in curating such transformative experiences that elevate the standards of healthcare delivery in the region. As we look ahead, we remain committed to hosting impactful events that shape the future of medicine and scientific dialogue.
For full programme details, abstracts, and CME downloads, visit the official event website.
