Experts at the Africa Society for Blood Transfusion (AfSBT) congress in Munyonyo are raising concerns about blood wastage in hospitals, highlighting the need for proper stock management and optimal blood utilization practices.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that while developed countries have a blood wastage rate between 0.1% and 6.7%, there is limited information on blood wastage in Sub-Saharan African countries due to other pressing health issues like blood-borne infections and low blood donor rates.
Dr. Aggrey Dhabangi, a transfusion physician from Makerere University School of Public Health, emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary blood transfusions. He suggested alternative interventions like iron tablets for iron deficiency anemia, calling for awareness among clinicians.
“We need to be more cautious in recommending blood transfusions as the first intervention,” said Dr. Dhabangi, stressing the importance of minimizing bleeding in emergency situations to conserve blood.
Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Uganda’s Minister of Health, expressed concern over the lack of a specific law governing blood collection and transfusion in the country. She urged congress attendees to learn from other countries’ legal frameworks regarding blood handling.
“I am hopeful that we will learn from this congress and move in that direction,” Aceng stated.
The 11th AfSBT congress aims to enhance blood transfusion services across Africa under the theme “Safe and New Sustainable Blood Services in Africa, New Clinical Advances, ICT Innovations and Technologies in Transfusion.” Mohammed Farouk, Managing Director of AfSBT, highlighted Uganda’s achievements in blood transfusion and hoped for full accreditation under the leadership of Dr. Dorothy Kyeyune Byabazaire.
Dr. Isaac Kajja, Deputy Principal of Makerere University, emphasized Uganda’s research contributions in blood transfusion, supported by collaborations with organizations like the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) and AABB. Uganda’s efforts have positioned it as a benchmark for blood transfusion services in Africa.