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[Blood transfusion in Ethiopia].
D Massenet1, G Tesfaye, B Dandera
1Centre de Transfusion Sanguine, Djibouti. massenet@intnet.dj
Medecine Tropicale : Revue Du Corps De Sante Colonial
|March 24, 1999
Summary
Ethiopia collects 30,000 blood bags annually, with 80% from family donors via the National Transfusion Blood Service (NTBS). Blood transfusion is safe in major towns, with HIV screening standard, but Hepatitis B screening is limited.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Transfusion Medicine
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Ethiopia faces a significant blood collection challenge, gathering approximately 30,000 units per year for a population of 56 million.
- The National Transfusion Blood Service (NTBS), operating under the International Red Cross, collects 80% of the blood supply from family donors.
- An additional 20% is sourced from hospital laboratories, which also implement screening procedures.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the safety and scope of blood collection and transfusion practices in Ethiopia.
- To assess the current screening protocols for transfusion-transmissible infections, including HIV and Hepatitis B.
- To understand the contribution of different collection sources to the national blood supply.
Summary:
- Blood collection in Ethiopia yields nearly 30,000 units annually, primarily from family donors through the NTBS (80%).
- Hospital laboratories contribute 20% and perform HIV screening.
- Hepatitis B screening is restricted to blood for pediatric and foreign recipients, indicating a gap in universal screening protocols.
Impact:
- Ensures transfusion safety in major Ethiopian towns through established screening protocols.
- Highlights the reliance on family donors and the NTBS for blood collection.
- Identifies a need to expand Hepatitis B screening to enhance overall blood safety nationwide.