ACHIEVEMENTS

It was against this background that a Nationwide Needs Assessment Survey of blood transfusion services was conducted and so far, the programme has been able to achieve the following.

• Launching of our National Blood Policy this year.
• Training of 91 voluntary blood donor promoters in the Eastern and Northern regions.
• Training of 30 laboratory and clinical personnel on data collection and record keeping.
• Conduction of a three day National workshop for the development of Standard Operating Procedures [SOP] for the blood transfusion laboratory was held in Freetown.

 The objective was to develop standards for blood transfusion laboratories in the country. Training of 38 lab technicians on the use of the developed SOP manual with the support of Global funds to fight HIV/Aids.

Development and printing of the unit's National guideline on the appropriate use of blood donor recruitment officers in each headquarter towns. Three districts and the Western Area now have access to voluntary donor service.

• A one day symposium was held for 200 participants (blood donors and potential donors). This was sponsored by WHO. The Sierra Leone Red Cross helps in the recruitment of voluntary donors among youths

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

Blood transfusion is an essential component of the health care delivery system. The importance of adequate safe blood supply cannot be overemphasized if we are to reduce the transmission of infections like; HIV/AIDS, the Hepatitis viruses and Syphilis.

Through blood transfusion and reduce maternal and child mortality.

Since the advent of the HIV epidemic, blood transfusion can no longer be regarded as a simple medical intervention.

Sierra Leone is regarded as having one of the largest maternal mortality rates in the world and 56 percent of these deaths are believed to be blood related.

Also amongst the Pediatric population, a lot of transfusions are administered in emergency situations to correct anemia due to repeated malaria attacks, worm infections, or malnutrition.

The above situation warranted that every district hospital has a

Functional blood bank based on voluntary non remunerated blood donation.

The headquarters of Safe Blood Services is located within the premises of the Connaught hospital, Freetown.