23 March 2015 – Egypt is continuing its work in ensuring safe blood transfusion services through the recent development of revised National Standards for Blood Transfusion Services 2015.
The safe and timely supply of blood and blood products is vital to Egypt’s health system as it is used in medical and surgical procedures, the management of cancer and hematological diseases, in response to accidents and injury, and the management of obstetric emergencies. Relying on the generosity of voluntary non-remunerated blood donors, blood is the gift life.
When safe practices are not followed, transfusion of blood and blood products can create life-threatening risks, leading to the spread of infectious diseases. In Egypt the high rate of viral hepatitis poses a particular threat.
The revised National Standards for Blood Transfusion Services 2015 is a result of the efforts of the Blood Safety Taskforce formed under Egypt’s national viral hepatitis programme, with the collaboration of all service providers including the Ministry of Health and Population, Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, the private sector, VACSERA and the Egyptian Red Crescent.
Launched on 23 March 2015, the revised Standards are an important step towards the development of a National Blood Authority that will strengthen the coordination and regulatory aspect of blood transfusion services.
An accompanying Plan of Action has been developed and the Standards are being disseminated throughout blood centers nationwide. The Blood Safety Law, dated 1961, is also now being revised.
WHO has supported this work and is ready assist the Government in efforts to further improve blood safety in Egypt, through the establishment of a National Regulatory Authority as well as moving towards a well-functioning National Blood Authority in the nearby future. These efforts will address the challenges in blood safety caused by Egypt’s fragmented health system.
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