By Vincess Okushi.
The World Health Organization has emphasized the need to prioritize voluntary unpaid blood and plasma donations to achieve universal access to safe blood products for all populations.
In a message to mark World Blood Donor Day, on 14th June 2023 the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti said there is a need to recognize the critical roles of Blood Donors and urged the governments, partners, and all stakeholders to mobilize support at district, national and regional levels to invest in strengthening and sustaining blood programs.
According to her, Donating blood is an act of solidarity that helps in easing the pressure on health systems and practically save lives.
Noting that all hands must be on deck to boost blood service even as it gives patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantity as a key component of an effective health system providing patient-centered healthcare and focusing on assuring equitable access with the aim of progressing to achieving Universal Health Coverage.
“We celebrate World Blood Donor Day every year on 14 June to raise awareness of safe blood and blood products, such as plasma and highlight the critical contribution of voluntary, unpaid blood donors to save lives.
“It is a special opportunity to celebrate and thank voluntary blood donors worldwide for their gift of blood; the day focuses on achieving universal access to safe blood transfusion.
“This year’s campaign slogan is “Give blood, give plasma, share life, share often.”
“It underlines the role every person can play by regularly giving the valuable gift of blood to create a safe and sustainable supply of blood and blood products that can always be available to needy patients.
“Over the years, Member States in the WHO African Region have made significant progress in establishing nationally coordinated blood transfusion services, policy frameworks, and national standards for collecting, testing, processing, storing, and distributing blood and blood products.
“This notable progress notwithstanding, only eight countries have blood services that are designed to always ensure the highest levels of quality and safety for patients and donors. Reliance on non-renumerated blood donors is still high, with 16 countries accounting for over 80% of voluntary non-remunerated blood donation.
“Blood collection remains low at an average donation rate of 5.9 units per 1000 people compared to 33.1 donations per 1000 people in high-income countries. Of concern is the financial barrier to accessing safe blood. In the WHO Africa Region, patients pay, on average, US$ 42 out of pocket to access safe blood.
“Results from a survey conducted in 2022 revealed that sixteen (16) countries out of thirty-nine (39) that took part in the survey, had more than 80% of voluntary non-remunerated blood donation (VNRBD), and 19 countries had less than 50% of voluntary non-remunerated blood donation. Thirty (30) countries reported that plasma-derived medicinal products were listed on their essential medicines list. These statistics show that there is a need for more work to be done in the African Region to improve access to safe blood and blood products.
“We must address persistent challenges to ensure sustainable access to safe and quality-assured blood and blood products for needy patients. Through our collaborative efforts, we must raise adequate and sustainable funding and increase blood donation rates. We also need to build the capacity of countries to separate donated blood into its components such as red cell concentrates, platelet concentrates, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate, and curb inappropriate clinical transfusion practices.
“The WHO Regional Office for Africa is working with partners to leverage expertise and available resources in the region to ensure improved access to supplies of plasma-derived products through the fractionation of domestic plasma.” It, therefore, salutes Blood Donors while encouraging all to join efforts to ensure access to safe blood for all in need as well as remembering the health of blood donors to promote the willingness to donate regularly.
