Supply of blood for transfusion in Latin American and Caribbean countries 2010 and 2011

Abstract

[Introduction]. The present publication summarizes the situation of national blood programs from 2010 to 2011, using the updated data furnished to PAHO by the national health authorities. As a result, there are variations in the information that were summarized in earlier publications (6, 7). Adhering to the criteria of the PAHO Strategic Plan 2008-2012 (11), 40 countries or territories are considered, including the British Overseas Territories, the Dutch Overseas Caribbean Territories, and the French Departments of America. I. Introduction 3 The table lists the countries and territories and indicates the numbers of units of blood that, according to official reports to PAHO, were collected in each of them during the period of 2010- 2011. It shows that Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and Grenada have not sent reports to PAHO for 2010 and 2011. The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and the French Departments of America did not report for the year 2010. In the case of the Dutch Overseas Caribbean Territories, Curaçao collects, processes, and provides the necessary components for transfusions to Aruba.