How to address blood shortage in Africa

Blood collection in sub-Saharan Africa faces numerous challenges, resulting in a shortage of this crucial healthcare resource. The World Health Organization recommends that a country should have at least 10 units of blood per 1000 people, but most African countries fall short of this requirement. Philana Mugyenyi, the Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager at Terumo, discusses the ways to achieve adequate, safe, and sustainable blood collection in Africa. Mugyenyi emphasizes the importance of recognizing blood as an essential medicine without substitutes. He points out that Africa is not collecting enough blood to meet the needs of patients requiring it for various medical conditions, such as cancer treatment, surgery, sickle cell disease, and postpartum hemorrhaging. The lack of adequate blood collection puts hundreds and thousands of lives at risk. To address this critical issue, the Coalition of Blood for Africa was established as a multi-stakeholder platform involving ministries of health, blood transfusion services, private sector, civil society, media, NGOs, international development partners, and charities. The coalition's primary goal is to ensure adequate, safe, and sustainable blood for the continent. With the formal launch set for the 10th of November, there is hope for significant progress in blood collection efforts in Africa. Mugyenyi identifies several reasons for the insufficient blood collection in Africa, including weak regulatory and policy frameworks, limited focus on blood within public health systems, and the lack of a culture of voluntary blood donation. Notably, most blood donations in Africa come from students and school children, which is not a sustainable practice. The Coalition of Blood for Africa aims to address these challenges through three key pillars: reflection, which involves awareness campaigns and advocacy; research, focusing on data collection and evidence-based policies; and technical capacity building for blood personnel. Additionally, Mugyenyi highlights the importance of technology in improving blood collection efforts. While Terumo specializes in manufacturing medical equipment used in blood and cell technologies, Mugyenyi emphasizes that technology can only be maximized when there is enough blood supply. Therefore, increasing blood donations is the primary focus of the Coalition of Blood for Africa to unleash the potential of life-saving technologies. The interview underscores the urgent need to address the blood shortage in Africa and the critical role of collaborative efforts through the Coalition of Blood for Africa to achieve sustainable blood collection on the continent.