Medical products, vaccinations and technologies
A well-functioning health system ensures equitable access to:
- essential medical products;
- vaccines; and
- technologies of assured quality, safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness, and their scientifically sound and cost-effective use.
Laboratory capacity
Laboratories are on the front-line when it comes to responding to outbreaks and emergencies. Establishing a network of laboratories operating according to international principles of quality and safety is key to effective emergency preparedness.
Read more about laboratory capacity
Blood services
Blood transfusion is an essential component of emergency health care. Emergencies increase the demand for blood transfusion and make its delivery challenging and complex. Adequate supply of blood during emergencies requires a well-organized blood service, and this can only be ensured by engaging the entire community.
WHO/Europe works with national health authorities and international stakeholders and partners for blood service reform, development of national donor programmes, quality management, clinical blood use, enhanced information sharing and dissemination of WHO guidelines, and recommendations promoting the health system approach.
As part of the WHO Global Database for Blood Safety, WHO/Europe collects data on blood services in the WHO European Region to document achievements and reassess strategic directions.
The safety and availability of blood supplies have direct implications for public health, but the organization, capacity and safety standards of national blood and health services vary widely across the Region.
Problems include:
- outdated practices and inadequate risk assessment;
- restrictive funding;
- variable donation rates.
