Monthly Themes

Blood & Injection Safety

Background on Blood & Injection Safety

• The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) has a long history of successful operation that dates back to 1958.
• Presently blood transfusion services are estimated to be available to >50 % of those in need, with very limited access to persons living outside urban centers
• The national blood transfusion center in Abidjan provides almost all the collection, screening and distribution of blood units in the country
• The program in Côte d’Ivoire has already been effective in improving the targeting of low-risk donors with a decrease in blood transmissible infections among first time and repeat voluntary donors

 

Goals

• Provide a rapid response aimed at preventing the transmission of HIV /AIDS through improved medical injection safety
• Significantly expand quality blood services throughout the country
• Reduce maternal and infant mortality as well as ensuring a safe blood supply through HIV and hepatitis screening
• Development of a standardized National Transfusion Policy, Behavior Change Strategy, and Waste Management Strategy, while revising the National Drug Policy, along with developing guidelines and training materials for professionals working in the field
• Continued monitoring and evaluation to assure quality control
  
  

PEPFAR Points