Blood system strengthening
The provision of an adequate supply of safe blood and blood products, and their safe and rational use is the responsibility of government and should be an integral part of each country's national health care policy and health care infrastructure. The ministry of health should establish a sustainable national blood system which is recognized through a national blood policy, strategic plan and appropriate legal instruments. Essential functions of a national blood system include policy formulation and standard setting, strategic and operational planning, provision of sufficient resources and national coordination and management to ensure an adequate supply of blood and blood products and safe clinical transfusion.
WHO publications
Protecting the blood supply during infectious disease outbreaks: guidance for national blood services
This guidance document has been produced by WHO to assist blood services in the development of national plans to respond to any emerging infectious threats...
Design guidelines for blood centres
These guidelines were prepared to assist countries in developing appropriate, purpose-built facilities for blood services. They may be used to...
Management of national blood programmes
A series of three workshops on "Management of National Blood Programmes" was organized jointly by the Blood Services Group (BSG) of the Health...
Aide-mémoire for National Health Policy makers: good policy process for blood safety and availability
The safety and availability of blood and blood products continue to be of major concern, particularly in the developing world, where blood shortages and...
Aide-mémoire for National Blood Programmes: Blood safety
A well-organized blood transfusion service (BTS), with quality systems in all areas, is a prerequisite for the safe and effective use of blood and blood...
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