Supply of Blood for Transfusion in the Caribbean and Latin American Countries in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009: Progress since 2005 of the Regional Plan of Action for Transfusion Safety

Abstract

[Introduction] In September 2005, the 46th Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) approved the Regional Plan of Action for Transfusion Safety 2006-2010, whose purpose is to contribute to the reduction of mortality and to the improvement of patient care in Latin America and the Caribbean by making safe blood for transfusion available in a timely manner for all patients who need it (1, 2). The Regional Plan has the following objectives: a) Assure appropriate collection and preparation of blood components in sufficient quantities to treat the patients who need blood transfusions b) Assure timely access to blood components in the patients who need blood transfusions c) Assure the highest level of safety of blood products to avoid the transmission of infectious diseases and other untoward effects associated with transfusions d) Promote the appropriate clinical use of blood e) Improve the efficiency of national resources In order to achieve its objectives, the Regional Plan adopted the following four strategies: 1. Planning and management of the national blood network system 2. Promotion of voluntary blood donation 3. Quality assurance 4. Appropriate use of blood and blood components