AFRO-NETS> 13th ICASA Brief: HIV infection via Blood donors - Lessons from Uganda

[A Odutola <chpss_abo@yahoo.com>]

13th ICASA Brief: HIV infection via Blood donors - Lessons from Uganda
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There was an interesting presentation from the Ugandan Red Cross 
on their use of blood donor clubs to strength the blood transfu-
sion service in Uganda. 
 
It is estimated that 5-10% of all HIV infections in Africa are 
through blood transfusion. However it is also the most effective 
way of transmitting the virus, as almost 100% of recipients of 
infected blood will get the disease. Conversely, this makes it 
potentially a substantially preventable problem. The Ugandans, 
using blood transfusion clubs, made up mostly of secondary school 
students have managed to develop a cohort of voluntary, non-
remunerated donors. By active targeting of recruitment, counsel-
ling, testing and retention of blood donors from this low-risk 
group, Uganda has vastly improved its blood transfusion service. 
(Baguma, B Abstract, No 394874)
 
Filed to DLHA by Chikwe Ihekweazu from Nairobi, Kenya.
  
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A. Odutola
mailto:chpss_abo@yahoo.com

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