The South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR) is urgently appealing to young men between the ages of 16 and 35 to register as stem cell donors. SAMBR says their critical underrepresentation is costing lives. According to the group this deficit drastically limits the chances of finding suitable matches for patients with life-threatening blood cancers, especially those from certain ethnic groups. Despite being the most effective donors , young men make up only 8.9% of registered donors in the country, far below the global average of 39% . For more Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Jane Ward, Deputy Director for the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR).