World Health Organisation says more blood needed as demand rises

By ROSELYNE OBALA

Kenya: World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that more blood donors are needed to meet the increasing demand.

The organisation has urged countries to put more emphasis on voluntary blood donors, observing that it is the safest source of blood and blood products.

WHO noted that the need for blood and blood products is increasing every year, saying that every country has a duty to step up collection of the crucial commodity.

The organisation now calls on all countries to strive to obtain 100 per cent of their supplies of blood and blood products from unpaid blood donors by 2020.

 “Blood collection from voluntary non-remunerated blood donors is the cornerstone of a safe and sufficient blood supply in all countries,” explained Neelam Dhingra, Coordinator for Blood Transfusion Safety.

He added:“Furthermore, the safety and quality of blood and blood products should never be compromised, ” he pointed out.

He argued that regular voluntary unpaid blood donors are the safest as there are fewer bloodborne infections among these donors than amongpeople who give blood in exchange for money or who donate for family members during emergencies.

Though the organisation provides policy guidance and technical assistance to support countries in developing national blood systems, Dhingra said nations should implement quality systems to ensure safe and quality blood and blood products for use by  people who need them.