Challenges in global blood safety

Availability of safe blood and blood products is a critical component in improving health care and in preventing the transmission of infections. Millions of lives are saved each year through blood transfusion. Yet the quality and safety of blood transfusion is of continuing concern, particularly in developing countries where 82% of the world's population lives. The burden of disease and loss of life resulting from unsafe blood transfusions is devastating for communities in developing countries. WHO has developed tools and mechanisms to assess the situation of blood transfusion services globally. This provides invaluable information on the current status of the global blood supply, identifying problems and prioritizing needs and is useful in monitoring progress and trends. The issues related to the blood safety are discussed and WHO's integrated strategy for blood safety is presented in this article.