Blood donation patterns and challenges in Southern Africa

Introduction: Developing countries face significant challenges in collecting sufficient blood to meet the demands from patients. Southern African countries have implemented many initiatives to recruit and retain sufficient voluntary blood donors and the success has been varied in different countries. Objective: To analyse blood donor patterns and challenges in the 14 Southern African countries and assess progress made in attaining a 100% voluntary donor base as well as collecting sufficient blood as per the WHO recommendations for developing countries. Results: A literature review showed that between 2004 and 2008 very little progress has been made with regard to improving the number of blood donations per 1000 population and increasing the number of voluntary non-remunerated blood donors. When factors such as age, disease burden and poverty are factored in, the donor potential in these countries is low. Discussion: Collecting sufficient, safe blood from voluntary blood donors continues to be a major challenge for many developing countries and co-ordinated efforts, with assistance from external organizations, is required.