The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the financial obstacles that impede access to safe blood on World Blood Donor Day.
The WHO is urging governments, partners, and stakeholders to come together at national and regional levels to invest in and strengthen blood programs.
Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasized the importance of blood donation as an act of solidarity. He stressed that becoming a blood donor can alleviate the strain on healthcare systems and ultimately save lives.
Dr. Moeti stated that a well-functioning blood service, which ensures patients’ access to safe blood and adequate blood products, is a vital component of an effective healthcare system.
Such a system should prioritize patient-centered care and strive for equitable access, ultimately working towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.
World Blood Donor Day serves as an occasion to recognize and express gratitude to voluntary blood donors worldwide for their invaluable contributions.
The focus of this day is to promote universal access to safe blood transfusions.
While acknowledging significant progress made by member states in the WHO African Region in establishing coordinated blood transfusion services, policy frameworks, and national standards for blood collection and distribution, Dr. Moeti emphasized that there is still work to be done.
Only eight countries currently have blood services that consistently maintain the highest levels of quality and safety for both patients and donors. Furthermore, there is a heavy reliance on non-remunerated blood donors, with 16 countries accounting for over 80% of voluntary non-remunerated blood donations.
The statement also highlighted the low rate of blood collection in the region, with an average donation rate of 5.9 units per 1000 people, compared to 33.1 donations per 1000 people in high-income countries. The financial barrier to accessing safe blood was identified as a pressing concern.