Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6114214 | Transfusion and Apheresis Science | 2013 | 6 Pages |
Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is burdened with a growing population and poor health care resources. Transfusion medicine is uniquely affected for SSA as a result of a combination of factors which put tremendous pressure on the blood supply. In this review, we consider these factors including: malaria, sickle cell anemia, transfusion medicine infrastructure, and past transfusion medicine policies including those which are tied to foreign aid, such as a VNRD-only practice. We also consider how SSA can overcome some of these hurdles to achieve a safe and adequate blood supply for its people through the advent of new vaccines, medications, infrastructure development, policy changes, and education.
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Authors
Troy C. Lund, Heather Hume, Jean P. Allain, Jeffrey McCullough, Walter Dzik,