Welcome

Dear Colleagues,

The Mexican professional community of blood transfusion represented by the “Asociación Mexicana de Medicina Transfusional AC” – AMMTAC -, (Mexican Association of Transfusion Medicine), is pleased to host the 32nd International Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) in 2012. Hosting the congress is a great honor and an excellent opportunity to show the efforts and the development of transfusion medicine in our country, as well as the great growth in tourism, cultural and technological areas. In Mexico there are more than 350 blood banks and over 1,000 hospitals with transfusion services serving a population of over 110,000,000. More than one million blood
donations are collected per year. We expect that many of our nationals working within transfusión medicine will attend the Congress.

Transfusion medicine topics from donor to patient will be included in the scientific programme. Those who are interested in research, new developments and changing insights will not be disappointed. Those who are new to the field will find an ISBT Academy programme which will enable them to quickly learn about many aspects of transfusion medicine. As health workers, the Congress, gives us the
opportunity to achieve the highest standards in the interests and care of patients because it allows the exchange of ideas from every corner of the world.

Delegates will have the chance to refresh and develop relationships with Latin America. Our health problems are similar to those in the countries of Europe, Africa and Asia and the congress is an unique opportunity to share experiences and increase knowledge.

As you know, my country has hosted for many years important international meetings, due to the fact that we have world class venues, together with the worldwide-known hospitality of Mexicans. Also we would like to share with you our rich culture; all the way from our prehispanic constructions
to the modern view of our cities. We know that we will fulfill the requirements as the host country for the 32nd International Congress of the ISBT. Participants will surely experience the beauty and variety of our country, added to the scientific feast. We will be honored to receive all our International Society of Blood Transfusion colleagues, as guests in this great country of ours. Cancun is one of the
best locations in Mexico for hosting the 32nd International Congress of the ISBT.

Yours Sincerely,
EBC. Julio César Martínez Álvarez
President of AMMTAC