Blood safety in developing countries

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Transfusion Medicine
• Global Health Security

Background:

• Blood transfusion services in developing countries face persistent challenges impacting patient safety and care.
• Global efforts are underway to monitor and improve the status of blood transfusion services worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify critical problems within blood safety practices in developing countries.
• To formulate actionable solutions for enhancing blood transfusion services globally.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based study was conducted to gather data on blood safety practices.
• Analysis focused on screening, supply, donor systems, and quality assurance in developing and least developed countries.

Main Results:

• Low rates of screening for human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV), hepatitis B, and syphilis persist.
• Blood supply is often insufficient, with reliance on replacement and paid donors.
• Inadequate quality assurance and high discard rates are significant weaknesses.

Conclusions:

• Substantial improvements are needed in infectious disease screening and blood supply adequacy.
• Reforming donor recruitment strategies and strengthening quality assurance are crucial for safer blood transfusions.