Global Consultation on Haemovigilance, 20-22 November 2012: report

Overview

The WHO Global Consultation on Haemovigilance was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 20-22 November 2012 and was jointly organized by WHO-HQ/Geneva, Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Center and the Government of the United Arab Emirates, also in collaboration with the International Haemovigilance Network (IHN) and the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT). This three-day Global Consultation on Haemovigilance involved participants from developing and developed countries, including those with established systems and those with plans to start haemovigilance.

Objectives of the Consultation:

1. Highlight the importance of national haemovigilance systems and international networking for global blood safety and availability.

2. Assess the nature and magnitude of current challenges and barriers to the implementation of haemovigilance systems, particularly in developing countries.

3. Provide a platform for countries to share experiences and learn lessons for developing national haemovigilance systems in a stepwise manner.

4. Define strategies for developing haemovigilance systems, including the harmonized reporting of transfusion-related adverse reactions and events, the collection, analysis and use of national data for continuous learning and improvement in the safety of blood donors, blood products and patients.

5. Building on existing international networks, discuss creation of global mechanism/s for networking countries and organizations to share data, information and experiences on haemovigilance; and to advocate and support the establishment of national haemovigilance systems; harmonize global data collection; organize joint activities; and
function as a forum for dialogue, advice and information gathering for all key stakeholders.