HIV and blood transfusion in sub-Saharan Africa.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1998. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

HIV and blood transfusion in sub-Saharan Africa.

Transfus Sci. 1997 Jun;18(2):167-79. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/98052799
Fleming AF; University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia.

Abstract: Blood transfusion services were poorly developed until the mid 1980s in most of sub-Saharan Africa, and were unable to provide adequate supplies of blood with acceptable safety. The pandemic of HIV was recognized seroepidemiologically from 1985 onwards. Blood transfusion was contributing from 10 to 15% to transmission in Africa. Groups at highest risk are children with malaria and anaemia, women with pregnancy-related haemorrhage or anaemia, victims of trauma and subjects with sickle-cell disease. Haemophiliacs are not a major risk group in comparison. Blood transfusion services have undoubtedly benefitted from the international, national and regional responses to the AIDS epidemic. Organizational structures have been established. There have been concerted moves to recruit voluntary unremunerated blood donors, selected from population groups with low seroprevalence. Serological screening for HIV, hepatitis viruses and syphilis has been introduced or strengthened. Standards for blood group serology, blood storage and handling have been improved. Guidelines for the appropriate use of blood have been formulated and adopted. There have been many training and retraining programmes. Much remains to be completed, however, using national and international resources, before the blood supply reaches acceptable standards of safety and is adequate in remote as well as in central areas of Africa.

Keywords: *Blood Transfusion *HIV Infections/TRANSMISSION
980330
M9831241

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1998. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1998. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .