Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg) - February 21, 2006
Reesha Chibba
"Until such data is available which can enable SANBS to review its policy, the status quo will remain," an SANBS statement said on Tuesday.
"The way forward is to approach independent experts in the fields of epidemiology, statistics and medical research who can devise a scientific study that is expected to provide relevant local data, which [the] SANBS can use in its decision-making process," said the statement.
Gay and lesbians organisations were outraged when the SANBS issued a statement in January this year asking gay people not to donate blood. The SANBS does not allow gay people to donate blood if they have had sex in the past five years -- irrespective of whether they are HIV-positive.
Ianthe Exall, spokesperson for the SANBS, told the Mail & Guardian Online that the organisation is following international policy by not allowing gay people to donate blood.
An independent body of researchers is expected to be set up within a month to gather statistics on South Africa's gay and lesbian population, as well as findings of similar studies that have been done in the past. If "no evidence" is found, the body will be commissioned to do its own research, said Exall.
Dawie Nel, director of gay and lesbian organisation OUT in Pretoria, told the M&G Online that he welcomed the outcome of the meeting last week.
He feels the criteria of the SANBS on its blood questionnaire should be based on "scientific evidence" and that the service should not take international findings and apply them to South Africa.
"Men who have sex with men significantly are at a higher risk compared to any other group", but the focus of the SANBS "should not focus on particular groups, but rather on the high-risk behavioural practices of both gay and heterosexual groups", said Nel.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) said in January this year that gay men should not be excluded from donating blood on the basis of their identity or HIV status, but rather on the basis of epidemiological data or research -- which, according to the SAHRC, does not "convincingly exist in South Africa".
The commission also suggested in the past that the SANBS, the Medical Research Council and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research probe the applicability in South Africa of international findings that homosexuals are a high-risk group.
060221
MG060204
Copyright © 2006 - Daily Mail & Guardian. For information about the content or for permission to redistribute, publish or use for broadcast, contact the publisher.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2006. 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, 2006. 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. .