WHO says reduced funding, staff shortage harming blood donation

As the world marked World Blood Donor Day on Tuesday, the World Health Organization has charged African governments and political leaders with prioritizing the provision of resources to improve blood transfusion services.

In a message to commemorate the day Matshidiso Moeti, WHO regional director for Africa, said blood donation is an act of altruism, and one blood donation can save three or more lives.

She noted blood donation services have been frustrated in Africa due to staff shortages and limited funding from governments and partner organizations for effective blood donor education, recruitment and retention.

"Over the past year, blood stocks decreased in the African region as movement restrictions and fears of infection hindered people from accessing donation sites," Moeti said. "The average blood donation rate dropped by 17 percent, and the frequency of blood drives was reduced by 25 percent. Demand for blood also decreased by 13 percent, with the suspension of routine surgeries in some countries and fewer people seeking care in health facilities."

Moeti pointed out as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, voluntary unpaid blood donations dropped significantly, citing Malawi as an example where a 46 percent decrease in donations is said to have been recorded.

Referring to this year's slogan, "Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives," WHO encouraged more people on the continent to become regular unpaid blood donors to save more lives.

"Compared to other regions globally, the African region sees a disproportionate number of conditions requiring donor blood, impacting as many as seven million patients every year," Moeti said.

She added the WHO in the African region provides support to countries at various levels, including resource mobilization for the implementation of national blood transfusion plans, advocacy for integrating blood safety in these plans and strengthening the legal and regulatory framework for blood safety.

"I want to sincerely thank Africa's blood donors for their selfless contribution to national health systems through this life-saving gift to patients who need transfusion therapy," Moeti said.