Global Database on Blood Safety: summary report 1998-1999

Overview

Following the launch of the Global Collaboration for Blood Safety, it became apparent that baseline information was required about blood transfusion services in Member States to identify the exact nature of problems and develop appropriate strategies.

The WHO Global Database on Blood Safety (GDBS) was therefore established to obtain data on blood transfusion services in all Member States of the World Health Organization, with the following objectives:

• To assess the global situation on blood safety
• To obtain the best available information on blood transfusion services in each Member State
• To identify problems and needs in order to provide appropriate technical support
• To identify countries for priority assistance
• To monitor progress and trends in blood safety.

A questionnaire, based on the Aide-Mémoire, was developed in 1997 as a tool for the standardized collection of data from Member States and was sent to national heath authorities for completion. The status of blood transfusion services in selected countries was also assessed during field visits by WHO consultants, whose observations assisted in the analysis of the data