Stem Cells: Prospects and Potential Applications in Tanzania: A review

Abstract

Stem cell technology and its application in regenerative medicine is the future gateway for the treatment of most non-communicable diseases (NCDs). As the burden of NCDs continues to rises globally, regenerating the cells, tissues and organs will be the mainstream treatment option. The world is prepared for this intriguing but promising avenue of biomedical technology and medicine but Africa is grossly lagging far behind. African governments, universities, research and health institutions need to take a leading role in empowering and mainstreaming stem cell research.  Moreover, for Africa, there is a huge potential for translating stem cell technology into clinical treatments due to the fact that there are limited treatment options for life-threatening forms of NCDs.  Some African countries have well-developed stem cell facilities and large-scale stem cell therapy centers. The use of adult stem cells in liver failure, diabetes and cardiac infarcts has shown success in some African countries. The present work reviews the status, potential and future prospects of stem cell technology and regenerative medicine in Tanzania with particular emphasis on the adult stem cells applicability into the immediate use inpatient care.  The paper also reviews the available cell identification systems and markers and moral and ethical aspects of stem cell science necessary in the translational treatment regimens.