Promoting Global Health through Improved Blood Collections and Transfusion Practices: A Pilot Project between Rush University and University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda

Abstract

This paper will first review what constitutes Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the current blood banking practices therein. The recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) for implementing voluntary blood donation as well as the many challenges of testing for transfusion transmitted infectious disease will be described. To support a quality system in blood transfusion services, the introduction of national blood standards through the establishment of the National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS) and the creation of the African Society for Blood Transfusion will also be delineated. Finally, to continue this critically important work, collaboration between Rush University (Chicago) and the University of Global Health Equity (Rwanda) has been initiated and is described. The goal is to move towards bringing advanced blood banking knowledge to the continent of Africa though the Specialist in Blood Bank Educational Program using distances education. This small but innovative project adds to improved global health