Publication Date
4-19-2021
Keywords
blood transfusion, developing countries, public health, blood-borne pathogens, anemia, infection
Abstract
While transfusion of blood and blood products is instinctively linked to the provision of emergent care, blood and blood products are also routinely used for the treatment of subacute and chronic conditions. Despite the efforts of the World Health Organization and others, developing countries are faced with a three-part problem when it comes to access to and delivery of transfusions: insufficient supply, excessive demand, and inadequate quality of available supply. Developing countries rely heavily on replacement and remunerated donors rather than voluntary nonremunerated donors due to concerns regarding donation- and transfusion-transmitted infection as well as local and cultural beliefs. While increased awareness of HIV and improved testing techniques have jointly reduced infection-related apprehensions and improved the quality of available blood and blood products, continued efforts are warranted to bolster testing for other bloodborne pathogens. Similarly, although prevalence rates of anemia are high in some areas of the world, success in adequate widespread management of these conditions has been limited. One of the keys to expanding access to high-quality blood and blood products is thus to improve medical management of conditions that would otherwise require transfusion. Through a three-pronged approach to address quantity, quality, and demand, developing countries can enable themselves to build toward self-sufficient blood management services and increased independence from the support of international organizations.
Recommended Citation
Gress KL, Charipova K, Urits I, Viswanath O, Kaye AD. Supply, demand, and quality: a three-pronged approach to blood product management in developing countries. J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2021;8:121-6. doi: 10.17294/2330-0698.1799
Included in
Cardiovascular System Commons, Equipment and Supplies Commons, Health and Medical Administration Commons, Hematology Commons, Medical Humanities Commons, Other Medicine and Health Sciences Commons, Patient Safety Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons, Virus Diseases Commons
Submitted
August 23rd, 2020
Accepted
October 6th, 2020
