Hemovigilance in Countries with Scarce Resources –A WHO Perspective

SUMMARy In many parts of the world, people continue to die due to shortage of blood and blood products. The safety of blood transfusion therapy remains a continuing concern, particularly where resources are scarce. The different stages of economic and social development are reflected in the existing status of the countries health care systems and that of their national blood transfusion services. The lack of quality systems, standardization and traceability of collected blood along the blood transfusion chain are the major contributing factors to the undesired outcomes of transfusion and increased risk of transfusion‐transmissible infections, namely HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Hemovigilance as a concept and developed operational system, supports the continuous improvement of quality and safety of transfusion practices. Once the minimum safety requirements are in place, implementation of quality systems in the blood transfusion service throughout the entire blood transfusion chain has to be considered the first mandatory step for establishing hemovigilance systems. The challenge awaiting countries with scarce resources is the implementation of their own hemovigilance system in a sustainable way. The integrated approach for a safer blood supply developed by WHO is aimed at building capacities at a national level, through advocacy, infrastructure development, technical support, training and documentation, and it creates the necessary grounds for establishment of hemovigilance systems. By further increasing its commitment in this area, WHO fulfils its leadership role in preventing risk factors for major disease burden and in organizing equitable health services, in line with its strategic directions. Based on existing data and locally gained experience, joint programs and related expertise can be developed, strengthening inter‐country, regional and global collaboration for a safer, adequate blood supply.