Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood supply and demand in the WHO African Region.
Vox Sang
; 116(7): 774-784, 2021 Aug.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1370882
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected millions of people worldwide and caused disruptions at the global level including in healthcare provision. Countries of the WHO African region have put in place measures for the COVID-19 pandemic containment that may adversely affect blood system activities and subsequently reduce the supply and demand of blood and blood components. This study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood supply and demand in the WHO African Region and propose measures to address the challenges faced by countries. MATERIALS ANDMETHODS:
A survey questionnaire was sent to all 47 countries in the WHO African Region to collect information on blood supply and demand for the first 5 months of 2019 and 2020, respectively, and on COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma therapy in September 2020.RESULTS:
Thirty-seven countries provided responses. The total number of blood donations dropped in 32 countries while it increased in five countries. The proportion of blood drives also decreased in 21 countries and increased in nine countries. The blood requested and issued for transfusion decreased for blood demand and for blood issued for transfusion in 30 countries. Ten countries reported some activities of convalescent plasma. However, very few units of this product collected have been transfused to COVID-19 patients.CONCLUSION:
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a reduction of blood related activities in the region, including the supply and demand. Countries preparedness plans for health emergencies need more emphasis to maintaining blood stock.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Blood Banks
/
Pandemics
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Vox Sang
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS