Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2001. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - May 6, 2001
Aphaluck Bhatiasevi
In Cambodia, most donors are unscreened for infectious diseases such as HIV/Aids and hepatitis.
Kheang Bomith, of the National Blood Transfusion Centre, said money was lacking for blood-screening services.
Public Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan said she reached an agreement with her Cambodian counterpart to provide technical help.
Dr Kheang Bomith said most of the blood available at the country's blood banks was obtained from relatives of people waiting for blood transfusions.
In Cambodia, the national blood bank manages to collect only 30-40 bottles of blood a month, while Thailand's blood bank collects about 1,000 bottles each day.
There was no blood put aside for emergencies, said Dr Kheang Bomith.
In some cases, people bought blood contaminated with infectious diseases such as HIV/Aids and hepatitis, he said.
Srivilai Tanprasert, National Blood Centre director for the Thai Red Cross, said Cambodia would be invited to observe publicity campaigns asking people to donate blood.
She said the Thai Red Cross was ready to provide all necessary help to Cambodia to screen blood.
Measures to tackle border health problems, particularly malaria, HIV/Aids and tuberculosis, were also raised in the ministerial talks.
The government has agreed to improve Cambodian laboratory services, provide that country with medical equipment and supplies worth 10 million baht, as well as training for health staff in areas along the Thai-Cambodian border.
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