Updated characteristics of blood services, donors and blood products in 11 French‐speaking African countries

• Published in: Vox sanguinis Vol. 113; no. 7; pp. 647 - 656
• Main Authors: Tagny, Claude T., Laperche, Syria, Murphy, Edward L., Atinkpinda, G, Lafia, E, Totongnon, R, Coulibaly, S, Madingar, P, Domo, Y, Hermann, Z, Kiba Koumare, A, Kientega, Y, Nebie, Y, Ouattara, S, Bizimana, P, Ndorere, L, Nzosaba, D, Mbanya, D, Mole, S, Tapko, J.B, Toukam, M, Ewodo, S, Guekeng, E, Said Fazul, H, Bokilo, A, Boukatou, G, Dokekias, A, Elenga, J.P, Agasa, S, Bayongwa, J.M, Maheshe, Kakema, C, Kapinga, S, Kazadi, R, Kiyombo Nsenga, S, Malenga Nkanga, B, Mampasi, P, Mbelu Kalonji, M, Misingui, P, Mukendi, L, Ndakala, D, Ndjulm Olish, J.P, Nganga Nkanga, M, Ngandu Bwangandu, C, Tutala Kinkela, S, Ramazani, S. Y, Kabu, E, Kouegnigan, L, Ndong, J, Ntsame, M, Tata Baldé, A, Achy Brou, A, Diané Kouao, M, Hyda, J, Sika, M, Sawadogo, D, Tchimou, J, Yassonguin, S, Coulibaly, Y, Kpangni, J. C., Asso Sika, M, Mankoua, D, Herisoa, F, Hanitriniala, P, Rasoarimalalanarivo, R, Andriambelo, N, Ba, A, Bouréma, K, Diarra, A, Fomba, M, Guitteye, H, Mounirou, B, Oumar Coulibaly, S, Tièman, C, Touré, H, Abdallahi ould Boullahi, M, Boulama, A, Dan Lélé, B, Brah, A, Diallo, K.R, Moussa Mayaki, Z, Diallo, T.A, Diop, S, Ndiaye Dieye, T, Guèye, Y, Seck, M, Thiam, D, Touré, A.O, Awitala, E, Magnang, H, Mawussi, K, Vovor, A, Kezzal, K, Abouyoub, A, Benchemsi, N, Hajjout, K, Othmani, H, Ben Amor, I, Gargouri, J, Loua, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England S. Karger AG 01.10.2018
• Subjects: Africa; Blood & organ donations; blood donor; Blood donors; Blood Donors - statistics & numerical data; Blood products; Blood Safety - standards; Blood Safety - statistics & numerical data; Blood transfusion; Blood Transfusion - standards; Blood Transfusion - statistics & numerical data; Data processing; donated blood; Facilities and Services Utilization; Francophones; HIV; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; Indicators; Safety; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Serology; Sexually transmitted diseases; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - blood; Sexually Transmitted Diseases - epidemiology; STD; survey; Syphilis; Transfusion; Africa; survey; blood donor; Africa; donated blood
• ISSN: 0042-9007; 1423-0410
• DOI: 10.1111/vox.12702

Background and objectives The Francophone Africa Transfusion Research Network conducted the first large and comprehensive surveys on the status of blood safety in francophone African countries in 2009 and 2012. Since then, there has been substantial investment in blood safety but little is known about progress made in the region. Materials and Methods This multicentre cross‐sectional study describes characteristics of blood services, donors and blood products and compares results with previous data. A web‐based questionnaire collected data of 2016 from 38 blood facilities in 11 French‐speaking countries. Data were analysed according to type of blood services and compared to similar studies conducted in 2009 and 2012. Results The study included data on 572 933 donations from 366 844 donors. Compared to 2012, there was an increase in the median proportion of voluntary nonremunerated blood donation (+22%) (P = 0·004), and a reduction from 2·1 to 0·9 (P = 0·01), from 10·3 to 6·7 (P = 0·00), from 3·2 to 1·3 (P = 0·006) and from 1 to 0·4 (P = 0·03) in median seroprevalences of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis, respectively. The median proportion of blood orders fulfilled decreased (−18·2%) (P = 0·001). The number of technical staff per 1000 donations ranged from 1 to 54 with hospital‐based blood transfusion services having 12‐fold more staff than National and Regional services. Conclusion Several indicators have improved in Francophone Africa Blood services during the last 5 years and national and regional services likely have better indicators than hospital‐based services. These findings may support the need for ongoing blood safety initiatives.