Global Database on Blood Safety: report 2004–2005

Overview

More than 30 years after the first World Heath Assembly resolution (WHA28.72) that addressed the issue of blood safety, blood transfusion services continue to face the dual problem of providing both a sufficient and a safe supply of blood to patients throughout the world. Although evidence-based strategies for blood safety and availability, of proven effectiveness, have been implemented in most developed countries, many countries with economies in transition and developing countries are making slow progress towards their achievement.

This is the third report on the global situation of blood safety, the two previous reports having been based on data collected in 1998–1999 and 2001–2002.

Much has been done to improve blood safety, in particular by better screening for transfusion-transmissible infections and a marked shift towards voluntary, nonremunerated blood donation. Even at the mid-point in the United Nations Millennium Project, however, equitable access to safe blood and blood products and rational and safe use of blood transfusion still remain major challenges throughout the world. Urgent, renewed action to ensure universal access is essential in order to achieve the healthrelated Millennium Development Goals to reduce child mortality, improve maternal health and combat HIV/AIDS and to provide effective support to health care in a range of clinical disciplines that depend on the availability of a safe, sufficient blood supply.