Regional meeting of blood service managers (2007)

During this first regional meeting of directors of blood transfusion services common challenges related to blood and patient safety in Member States were identified and proposals were made on the development of a regional plan of action to strengthen this area and prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS and other bloodborne pathogens.

Forty-eight countries of the Region were represented. Participants agreed that increased political commitment to blood and patient safety, supported by a harmonized and collaborative approach to strengthening the quality and adequacy of blood supplies, capacity building and networking are key interventions. They emphasized the need for a common platform for discussion, information exchange and cooperation among Member States. A set of recommendations was developed.