By Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia
In the 11 countries of WHO’s South-East Asia Region, every two seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion for management of childhood diseases complicated by severe anaemia, malaria, pregnancy-related complications, trauma cases, surgeries and other medical emergencies including cancer treatment.
The Region requires around 18 million units of blood every year, against the 15.5 million units collected. The donation of one unit of blood (450 mL) can potentially save at least three lives. If one to three per cent of the total population donates regularly, a country’s requirement of safe blood can be met.
However, blood transfusion carries a potential risk of complications and transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs). Any security break in the transfusion system can further infect an already sick/injured recipient to a life-threatening infection.
To help countries reduce the burden of diseases due to unsafe blood transfusion, WHO has developed a global strategy that highlights the need for the establishment of nationally coordinated blood transfusion services, 100% collection of blood from voluntary non-remunerated donors (VNRDs) from low-risk areas, and 100% testing of all donated blood for the main blood borne pathogens, testing for compatibility and blood grouping, and reduction in unnecessary transfusion and rational use of blood.
On the World Blood Donors Day, observed on 14 June, WHO thanks blood donors for their altruistic action and calls for stronger advocacy for regular blood donation by healthy people and greater compliance with blood safety measures.
Blood saves lives; let’s ensure it is safe and available to all those who need it.
Related links:
2015 World Blood Donor Day campaign