National Safe Blood Services Print

The National Safe Blood Service is a programme of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.  It started as a pilot project in Freetown in 1994 after the signing of a tripartite agreement between the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society and the German Red Cross Society on one hand and between the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation on the other hand.  This pilot project gradually led to the phased formation of the National Blood Transmission Services, headed by a Manager under the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.

Objective

To ensure the timely availability of safe blood nationwide based on voluntary non-remunerated blood donation.

The programme is a sub recipient of the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS and implements activities geared towards ensuring that safe blood is provided to the population when required.

Currently in Sierra Leone with support from the Global Fund, WHO and MOHS, every unit of blood transfused is being screened for HIV/AIDS, syphilis, hepatitis B & C.  This activity conforms to the National and Global Fund target of 100% screening of donated blood.

Twenty seven (27) blood transfusion centres (both government and private) are monitored and supervised by the blood services programme. Three (3) regional blood transfusion centres are currently being strengthened.

Trainings have being conducted for Volunteers on how to support staff recruitment for voluntary donation of blood, laboratory technicians and clinical personnel in blood safety techniques and the use of blood and blood products.