Problems and solutions associated with transmission of HIV via donated blood in Tanzania

Donor-blood from populations with high prevalence of HIV infection carry the risk of transmitting HIV to a significant proportion of recipients. This paper presents a review of experience gained in efforts towards ensuring availability of HIV-free blood for transfusion in tropical Africa, with emphasis on Tanzania. The effect of introducing a countrywide screening programme in averting possible HIV transmission, and the main problems of controlling transfusion associated with HIV infection have been identified. Lack of organized blood transfusion services in tropical Africa, widespread occurrence of transfusion associated diseases, shortage of skilled staff, unreliable electricity supply and communication networks, and absence of a 100% sensitive antibody test for HIV are among the problems encountered in attempts to provide safe blood. To reduce transfusion associated HIV infection, efforts should be directed to; reduction of unnecessary blood transfusions; exclusion of HIV high-risk donors, provision of affordable, rapid and reliable HIV antibody test kits, using heat-treated and HIV-free blood products for treatment of bleeding disorders; and establishment of separate facilities fur voluntary HIV testing and counselling form blood donation centers. With continuing successes globally in the development of simple, rapid, affordable and highly sensitive HIV antibody tests, the control of HIV transmission through blood transfusion should be feasible in all areas of Africa.