Blood Transfusion in a Global Context

Blood transfusion in developing countries, particularly sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is radically different from affluent countries because most transfusions are for emergency life-threatening anaemia from haemorrhage or haemolysis, the blood supply and other resources are limited and the prevalence of viral, bacterial and parasitic infections are high. Approaches to transfusion medicine therefore need to be different and adapted to local circumstances. Bottom-up innovative solutions are being developed that often contradict rich country concepts or WHO recommendations. Priority should be given to a supply that saves lives and is evidence-based, and pragmatic views should be taken regarding donor selection, modes of blood testing and organization of blood systems. External help might be attached to inappropriate dogmatic views and are helpful only when long-term sustainability is taken as the endpoint. This edition first published 2013