1.
1.1
INTRODUCTION
Background information
The collection of blood only from voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors from low-risk
populations is an important measure for ensuring the safety, quality, availability and accessibility
of blood transfusion. World Health Assembly resolutions WHA28.72 and WHA58.13 urged
Member States to develop national blood transfusion services based on voluntary
non-remunerated blood donation.
A workshop on voluntary non-remunerated blood donor programmes in Pacific Island
countries was held in Nadi, Fiji from 23 to 26 January, 2007.
Currently, only New Caledonia and French Polynesia have achieved 100 per cent
voluntary non-remunerated blood donation. Across the other countries represented, the number
of voluntary non-remuerated blood donors ranges from 0 to 93 per cent.
1.2
Objectives
The objectives of the workshop were:
(1)
to review and exchange experiences of the voluntary non-remunerated blood donor
programmes and identify constraints;
(2)
to update participants on various strategies for donor recruitment, selection and
retention and active community participation in promoting voluntary non-remunerated
blood donation; and
(3)
to develop action plans for a national voluntary non-remunerated blood donor
programme.
1.3
Participants
The workshop was attended by eighteen representatives from nine Pacific Island countries
(Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands,
Tonga, and Vanuatu), four temporary advisers, and a WHO secretariat of five persons (one from
the Regional Office and four from the Country Offices) and four observers (a list of participants
and secretariat is attached as Annex 1).
1.4
Organization of the Workshop
The WHO Representative for the South Pacific, Dr Chen Ken, officially opened the
workshop. The Temporary Advisers, namely Ms Cecila Tan (Singapore), Ms Carol O’Shea
(Australia) and Dr Frederic Touzain (New Caledonia) facilitated the workshop and also acted as
rapporteurs.
The workshop was conducted in an interactive manner and the programme consisted of
presentations, discussions, role plays and group activities from selected modules of the
Developing a Blood Donor Programme for Blood Safety developed jointly by WHO and the
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The programme of
work of the workshop is attached as annex 2.
Participants were asked to complete an evaluation at the end of each day’s session to
monitor the facilitation and programme content and to identify any topics requiring further
discussion. A summary of each day’s feedback was presented at the commencement of the next
day’s session and some minor changes were made to the official programme as needed.
1.5
Opening ceremony
Dr Chen Ken, WHO representative for the South Pacific, welcomed the group on behalf of
the Regional Director. He outlined the importance of collecting blood exclusively from
voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors from low-risk populations as an integral step in
delivering a safe, adequate and accessible safe blood supply. Dr Chen also noted that evidence
from around the world shows that the risk of transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and C or other
blood–borne infections through unsafe transfusions is invariably lowest among voluntary, nonremunerated donors who give blood purely for altruistic reasons.
Dr Chen went on to say that the ultimate goal for every country is to achieve 100 per cent
voluntary non-remunerated blood donation. In May, 2005, at the 58th session of the World
Health Assembly, Member States of the WHO adopted a resolution WHA 58.13 to establish
World Blood Donor Day as an annual event to be celebrated on 14 June each year. In adopting
the resolution, Member States reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring safe and adequate blood
supplies based on voluntary, non-remunerated blood donor programmes.
Dr Chen noted that simply opening a blood bank does not mean that donors will just come
in. What is needed is a professional and systematic approach to donor education, recruitment
and retention to develop an effective and sustainable blood donor programme. Furthermore,
although Blood Banks are usually located in hospitals, the approach to dealing with healthy,
voluntary donors is entirely different from the way we interact with hospital patients.
Participants were encouraged to participate actively and reminded that the success of the
workshop would be measured in the ultimate outcomes from the implementation of new
initiatives.
Four temporary advisers from Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia and Singapore were thanked
for attending and sharing their experience and knowledge.
2.
2.1
PROCEEDINGS
Introduction and overview of blood safety and availability in the Region
Mr Yu Junping presented an overview of the global strategy for blood safety with 100 per
cent voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation as the focal point of this programme.
An overview of the situation in the 10 pacific island countries and 279 islands was
presented. The average number of voluntary non-remunerated blood donors is 68 per cent,
ranging from 0 to 100 per cent.
Challenges to the provision of safe, sustainable and accessible blood supply for
communities in the Pacific Islands were discussed. These included the isolation of some islands,
the existence of small populations spread across wide geographic areas and the maintenance of
donor panels in communities where the annual requirements for blood are less than 50 donations.
2.2
Workshop expectations
Ms Cecilia Tan, Temporary Adviser, outlined the structure of the workshop and
participants were invited to share their expectations, as follows:
• to increase the number of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors;
• to learn from one another;
• to share successes and problems;
• how to work effectively with partners – government and NGOs;
• to recognize the challenges of partners;
• to establish a nationally coordinated blood service – policies, procedures;
• to identify the techniques and skills required to achieve 100 per cent voluntary
non-remunerated blood donation;
• how to retain youth donors;
• how to retain leaders, stakeholders and clinicians;
• to meet the challenges of isolated communities;
• how to recognize regular donors;
• how to obtain support for sufficiently trained donor recruitment staff; and
• how to develop a plan to get financial support.
2.3
Country reports
Participants presented an overview of the situation in their countries, using a standard
template (Annex 3).
As mentioned previously, it was apparent that there is high dependency on
family/replacement donors in the region. Participants commented that one of the main factors
contributing to this situation is that in many countries, the practice of family/replacement
donation is encouraged by clinicians, despite advice to the contrary provided by the Blood
Service.
The graph below shows the current percentage of voluntary, non-remunerated donors
across the Pacific region.
Pacific Islands countries - % vnrbd
Fi
ji
Co
PN
ok
G
Is
la
nd
Ne Va s
nu
w
Ca a tu
le
do
ni
a
M
K
ar
sh irib
at
So all
i
Is
lo
l
an
m
on
d
Is s
la
nd
s
Sa
m
oa
To
ng
a
120%
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
The country reports also highlighted another key issue in the region, the appropriate use of
blood. For example, anaemia was cited by many participants as one of the common conditions
for which blood is used. It was noted that the introduction of effective primary health care
programmes focusing on healthy eating and lifestyle could reduce the demand for blood to
patients with anaemia.
Educating stakeholders about the benefits of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation
as well as the appropriate use of blood was identified as a priority area.
2.4
Module 1 - Towards 100 per cent voluntary non-remunerated blood donation
2.4.1 Why voluntary blood donation?
Dr Frederick Touzain, Temporary Adviser, provided an overview of the importance of
collecting sufficient blood from suitable, low-risk donors. The relationship between high
incidence of sero-prevalence rates of transfusion, transmissible diseases in the community and
the risk of window period donations being transfused was discussed.
The relative rate of prevalence of post transfusion hepatitis in recipients who receive blood
provided by paid donors versus voluntary non-remunerated blood donors was highlighted. The
higher rate of infectious markers for hepatitis B and C and HIV in paid donors was also
discussed.
The unique characteristics of regular, non-remunerated blood donors such as altruism and
commitment, and their significance in the provision of safe blood were outlined. By comparison,
the inherent risk posed by paid or commercial donors was demonstrated.
2.4.2 Benefits of regular donors - Group activity
The benefits of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation to blood donors, patients, the
Blood Service and the community were identified and discussed by participants as follows:
Donors
Personal satisfaction
Patients
Receive safe blood
Blood service
Community
Constant supply of
Public health
safe blood
programs improve
benefits/mortality
rates
Monitoring of
Trust in blood
Better management of
Reduced rates of HIV,
personal health
services
resources/financials/
HBV, HCV, …
supplies
Regular health check
Second chance at life
Public confidence
Decrease in fear of
unsafe blood
Social responsibility
Patient takes better
Image
care
Brings community
together for common
good
Good habit – healthy
Awareness of benefits
Partnership with
Status of country
lifestyle
of VNRBD
donors improve
enhanced
services delivery
internationally
Community
respect/status
Lifesavers
2.4.3 Components of a voluntary blood donor programme
Ms Carol O'Shea, Temporary Adviser, outlined the essential components of a voluntary
blood donor programme with the discussion addressing four key areas – organizational
requirements, education, motivation and recruitment, donor care and donor follow-up and
retention. It was noted that implementation of the various components is usually achieved over
time but the development of a National Blood Policy is an important starting point and the
umbrella under which the voluntary blood programme operates. The importance of public
education as the first step in motivating, recruiting and retaining suitable blood donors from
low-risk communities was emphasized. Quality donor care and follow-up and the effects on
sustaining a safe and adequate blood supply were also emphasized.
The issue of pre-donation testing of donors was raised as a possible solution to the loss of
donors due to the detection of infectious markers in post donation screening. Mr Yu Junping
explained that this practice was in place in some countries and that WHO is reviewing its policy
on pre-donation screening.
Mr Anthony Gomes, WHO Health Laboratory Expert, commented on the time between
screening and the actual blood donation and the potential risk of a window period infection.
Other possible risks identified were the consequences of losing highly motivated voluntary
non-remunerated donors, the potential for the blood centre to be used as a testing centre and then
no blood donation being given after a ‘normal’ test result.
2.5
Module 2 – Educating and recruiting blood donors
2.5.1 Identifying target donor population
In this presentation, Dr Touzain underlined the importance of identifying and targeting the
safest, low-risk communities to lower the risk of Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTIs).
Minimum selection criteria for donors were presented and discussed, noting that donors must be
volunteers, must meet minimum and maximum age limits, weight and basic health requirements
such as haemoglobin and lifestyle standards. The link between donor selection criteria and blood
safety was discussed, noting that the blood service has equal responsibilities for the safety of
donors and recipients of blood and blood products.
2.5.2 Group activity
The various high-risk behaviours which preclude people from donating blood were
discussed by the group and participants identified the following risk behaviours:
• having multiple sexual partners;
• male to male sexual activity;
• tattoo with unclean needles;
• intravenous drug users;
• alcoholism;
• sharing of razors; and
• changing sexual partners.
Potential low-risk groups suitable to educate, motivate and recruit as blood donors were
also identified as follows:
• youth – high school students and rural youth;
• monogamous people;
• religious groups;
• virgins – nuns, monks etc.; and
• health professionals.
2.5.3 Blood donor perspectives and expectations
Ms Tan addressed the various factors which may affect donor motivation and emphasized
the need for donor recruiters to address them. Examples of positive and negative perceptions of
blood donation such as a good donation experience or poor customer service were presented.
Other examples included the fear of needles, the convenience of locations and the importance of
a ‘personal approach’ when educating and motivating donors.
Participants discussed and shared the negative perceptions of blood donors and potential
donors and the myths they have encountered as follows:
• religious beliefs and practices of different communities
• “I will gain weight”, “I have to give all my life”, “I only give to my family”, “I only
have enough blood for me”
• age limit for blood donation and the lack of consistency.
It was emphasized that the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of donors or potential donors
must be identified in order to develop audience-specific education and motivation materials
strategies. Some of the positive and negative perceptions were also discussed.
2.5.4 Introduction to basic research techniques
Following the previous presentation and discussions, Ms O' Shea outlined different
research methods, noting the strength and limitations of different methods. Examples of research
methodologies were presented together with possible research objectives such as the
identification of people suitable to donate blood, identification of knowledge, attitudes and
perceptions of the general public, and measurement of customer service practices.
The importance of research in the planning and monitoring of a blood programme was
highlighted. However, the lack of resources (human and financial) and the lack of expertise were
raised and discussed. Participants were given suggestions as to how to overcome this such as
adapting questionnaires used by other customer-oriented organizations (hotels, retailers), seeking
support from the business or marketing faculties in tertiary institutions or seeking in-kind
sponsorship from the corporate sector.
Samples of research studies conducted in Singapore and Zimbabwe were distributed for
participants to review in preparation for the next day’s activity.
2.5.5 Planning a Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception (KAP) study (Group activity)
Participants were divided into three groups to design a Knowledge, Attitudes and
Perception (KAP) study for the following target groups:
a) Youth
b) Religious groups
c) Health professionals
The groups reported back on their KAP studies and demonstrated good understanding in
selecting the appropriate methods to develop a simple research study. Following the reports,
participants were reminded of the following key points when preparing questionnaires.
• keep questions ‘tight’ and not open-ended;
• use the methodology most suited to the need; and
• the importance of partners such as church, community or youth leaders in the
implementation of KAP study.
2.5.6 Working with media to help change behaviour
Ms O'Shea discussed the ability of the media to influence the attitudes and behaviours of
their audience, using examples of the negative impact of the media. Participants were reminded
that the media are an important target group to be educated so they can help to educate the
broader community. Strategies for working with the media were presented with particular
emphasis on the importance of establishing partnerships with the media. Information sheets with
tips for working with and managing the media were given to the participants.
2.5.7 Youth programmes
Ms Tan presented the Club 25 video, outlining the history of Club 25 from its inception in
Zimbabwe and introduction in South Africa. This was followed by a presentation on developing
youth programmes based on the Singapore Red Cross experience. The importance of
commitment to the programme from blood services, NGOs and government as well as the
appointment of appropriate personnel was emphasized. There was general consensus among the
participants that youth can be the driving force of the blood programme in the short and long
term. Focusing on them as a target group is important for the sustainability of a voluntary blood
donor programme.
2.6
Module 3 – Donor selection, care and retention
2.6.1 Providing quality donor care
This session, facilitated by Ms O'Shea, focused on the importance of excellent donor care
as part of a quality voluntary blood donor programme. The need for consistency of care and at
both fixed and mobile locations was discussed, noting the challenges of finding mobile venues
where the facilities ensure donor privacy and safety.
The concept of the voluntary donor as a customer and recognizing his/her donation as an
altruistic gift and not just raw materials for a biological product was emphasized. The need for
staff training and the importance of monitoring and evaluating donor care in order to improve
donor satisfaction and retention were discussed. Participants agreed that:
• there is a need to educate health professionals on the different approaches to customer
service for blood donors and patients; and
• a ‘hospitality’, not ‘hospital’, culture/environment is essential to provide quality care for
voluntary donors.
2.6.2 The donation process
Dr Touzain presented the New Caledonian blood donation experience to demonstrate the
important link between high standards of care and service and donor satisfaction and retention.
The hospitable and friendly atmosphere of the New Caledonia Blood Service has contributed to
the success of its 100 per cent voluntary non programme. The main centre is centrally located
and the building features a colourful and welcoming entrance, reflecting a ‘hospitality’
environment.
Examples of donor registration forms, health questionnaires, post donation information
and donation records from New Caledonia were given to the participants and discussed.
2.6.3
Maintaining and using donor records
This session focused on the value of an efficient donor management system, either
electronic or manual. The benefits of a reliable system are important to trace donors, recall
donors, monitor prevalence of infections and assist in planning.
The session included a demonstration of the Fiji Blood Service’s donor database by
Mr Jaynesh Narayan, National Blood Coordinator, Lautoka, Fiji. The system, developed by the
Fji Red Cross when it managed the blood service, provides donor information across several
fields including blood group, donation site and date of last donation. Participants were
encouraged to seek further information about the system and to explore the possibility of using a
similar system in their countries.
2.6.4
Donor follow-up, retention and recognition
The focus on quality continued with Dr Touzain outlining strategies for donor retention in
order to build and maintain a panel of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors. Reasons for
retaining donors such as safety, sustainability, cost efficiency and planning were outlined and
discussed.
The presentation included examples of initiatives undertaken in New Caledonia, including
certificates of recognition, small tokens to acknowledge milestone donations and media coverage
to publicise events such as World Blood Donor Day.
2.6.5
Blood donor perspectives
Session aim: To experience first hand perspectives of local voluntary blood donors.
The inclusion of local blood donors in the voluntary non-remunerated blood donation
training workshops has proved extremely useful in providing recruiters with a real insight into
the factors that motivate and influence donors.
Two local blood donors joined the workshop to share their experiences as blood donors
and the reasons why they became blood donors and what motivates them to continue. Both
donors have become donor organizers for mobile collection sessions. .
Regina, an O Rh negative donor, is a Human Resources Manager. She was motivated by
her father and brothers who were long-term donors. Initially, she was scared about needles but
has overcome this fear and feels good about donating blood in the knowledge that she is ‘doing
something good’. When asked how she overcame her fear of pain, her response was “if I can get
through childbirth, I can do anything”. Since becoming a regular blood donor, Regina has
recruited her husband and many others, including work colleagues. Over the years, she has been
called upon to help out in emergencies.
Govind, an A positive donor, began donating in 1982 and has lost count of how many
donations have been given. He usually donates three or four times a year and has a strong
commitment to voluntary blood donation through his membership of Sathya Baba Association
Fiji, a religious/service organization. This group arranges blood drives in districts across Fiji,
promoting the mobile collection sessions through their network as well through publicity via
posters and bus advertising. On World Blood Donor Day 2006, the Sathya Baba Association of
Fiji was recognized for its commitment to the promotion of voluntary blood donation, having
achieved the highest number of blood donors for a community/religious group. Cecilia Tan
cautioned participants about the potential risk of conducting challenges between various
community groups as it may result in people only wanting to donate for their community group
rather than for the benefit of the wider community.
Govind spoke of how two of his sons have become blood donors and that the opportunity
to find out their blood group was a motivating factor. However, participants were cautioned that
this could result in a donor giving blood for the ‘wrong’ reasons.
Both donors complimented the Fiji Blood Service staff on the standard of service and care
provided. However, it was felt that the mobile bus is in need of maintenance in order to make it
more comfortable for the donors.
Following the donors’ presentations, there were further discussions about Rh negative
female donors and the need to build a rare donor registry as it is important to be able to contact
potential donors if these women need blood during pregnancy or childbirth
Donor education – Pacific perspective
2.6.6
Dr Eka Buadromo, Chief Pathologist for Fiji, commented on the importance of developing
audience-specific education materials, using the most appropriate medium for the audience in
Pacific island countries.
Role play – donor care
2.6.7
To demonstrate their learnings from Module 3 of the programme, participants were
presented with three scenarios relating to donor care and asked to role play positive and negative
examples as follows:
•
Care of a donor who telephones to complain about a haematoma following his/her
blood donation
•
Care of a donor during a blood donor’s 50th donation - positive and negative
examples
•
Care of a first-time donor who becomes distressed during the donation - positive
and negative examples.
The role plays showed that the participants had a sound understanding of the key elements
of quality donor care.
2.6.8
World Blood Donor Day (WBDD)
World Blood Donor Day, the annual event celebrated on 14 June to pay tribute to
voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors was discussed and the group brainstormed on the
objectives of the celebration and potential regional activities for 2007 as follows:
Objectives
•
Celebrate the gift of blood
•
Recognise voluntary blood donors
•
Increase public awareness of voluntary non-remunerated blood donation
•
Educate the public on the importance of regular voluntary non-remunerated blood
donation
•
The benefits of voluntary non-remunerated blood donation to recipients
•
Promote healthy living – nutrition, exercise and lifestyle
•
Motivate people to donate blood.
Proposed WBDD activities by the paticipants:
•
Hold ceremonies to recognize volunteer donors
•
Establish partnerships – venues such as hotels, media
•
Similar activity across the region e.g., beating the drum
•
Special parades
•
Sports day
•
Picnic
•
Produce a special pin for donors in the Pacific – design competition in each country
•
Compose a song – possibly one song which can be translated into each country’s
language
•
Obtain sponsors – prizes for competition winners
There was further discussion about composing a regional song to celebrate WBDD. The
outcome of the discussion was that participants worked in three groups outside of the workshop
hours to develop lyrics for a song based on the agreed objectives of WBDD. Participants will
then take the lyrics to local songwriters in their respective countries for further work and
recording,
It was then agreed that:
•
the lyrics for the song will be developed and agreed by the group at the end of the
workshop;
•
the participants will seek composers in their countries to put a tune to the lyrics; the
song will be recorded by a chosen singer in each of the participating countries. This
is to be completed by April 30 2007;
•
participating countries will send the CD to the Secretariat in Fiji by May 2007
•
a renowned composer should nominated to select the most appropriate song to
represent the Pacific Island countries;
•
a copy of the winning song will be distributed to all countries to be used as the
celebration song for the Western Pacific Region.
It was also suggested that arrangements be made at the next follow-up workshop for
participants to record the song as a region, with the verses sung in the different dialects of the
Pacific Islands. This song can be used as a Blood Donor song for this region, and be used as a
tool to motivate and recruit and retain blood donors.
WHO will also seek support and funding for the prize and the recording, production and
distribution of the song to all the Pacific Island countries.
2.6.9
Visit to the Fiji Blood Service mobile collection unit
A mobile collection session was organized at the Capricorn Hotel and participants
observed the unit in operation. A summary of the comments/observations is as follows:
•
insufficient privacy of the pre-donation interview;
•
good experience seeing a mobile collection for the first time;
•
staff/donor ratio in order to manage donors and ensure proper mixing of blood and
anti-coagulant - 4 mobile staff in attendance;
2.7
2.7.1
•
pre-donation haemoglobin procedure;
•
wearing of gloves for the blood collection;
•
method to measure the volume of blood collected from each donor.
Module 4 – Building a voluntary non-remunerated blood donor programme
Organizational requirements for a voluntary blood donor programme
The key elements of an effective blood donor programme were outlined with particular
reference to the roles and responsibilities of the partners involved, ethical and legal issues,
resources (financial and human) and quality systems. Ms Cecilia Tan emphasized that a quality
programme needs a clear understanding of responsibilities between the parties involved in blood
service delivery. Other elements discussed were, legislation, donor rights, donor responsibilities,
ethical and legal issues, quality systems, resources, staff selection and training and the need for a
programme manager.
2.7.2 Estimating blood requirements
The reasons for estimating blood requirements and the information required to make an
accurate estimation were discussed by Ms Tan. Three methods of estimating blood requirements
were presented. The first was based on previous usage, the second based on the number of acute
hospital beds and the third based on population statistics. It was noted that the first method is the
most practical but depends on historical evidence of meeting supply and demand.
Following the presentation and discussions, participants worked in groups to estimate the
blood requirements for their countries. This activity enabled them to calculate the number of
voluntary blood donors required, the first step in developing strategies for their country’s plan of
action.
2.7.3 Collaborations and partnerships
Collaborations and partnerships are integral to successful programmes and the importance
of selecting suitable partners was emphasized by Ms Tan. The case of an alcohol manufacturer
that wanted to partner with the Blood Service in Singapore was discussed. It was noted that,
through their contribution to the community, large corporate organizations are keen to enhance
their image by rating highly according to a Corporate Social Responsibility Index (CSRI).
Westpac and ANZ Banks were cited as organizations in the region with high CSRIs.
The successful partnership between the Singapore Red Cross and the government’s Health
Services Authority was presented. Developing and monitoring the implementation of the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organizations was discussed and it was
made clear that trust and mutual understanding are fundamental to this partnership.
This was followed by a group discussion in which participants identified potential
partners/collaborators as follows:
• NGOs
• Media – TV and radio
• Staff and volunteers to ensure quality donor care
• General practitioners
• Telephone companies
2.7.4 Planning an effective blood donor recruitment programme
A step-by-step approach to developing a plan was explained by Ms Carol O' Shea,
consolidating the learning outcomes from the modules covered during the workshop. The actual
components of a plan were explained – strategies, tactics, roles and responsibilities, timelines,
budget and evaluation – with examples given in each of the categories to ensure participants
were well prepared to commence working on a draft Plan of Action for their countries.
2.7.5 Monitoring and evaluating blood donor programmes
Ms O' Shea noted that this step in the planning process is often overlooked and
emphasized its importance, particularly in relation to continuous improvement, cost efficiency
and benchmarking. Examples of indicators for donor education and recruitment, donor selection
and care and donor retention were presented and discussed.
2.7.6 Gap analysis
A gap analysis template (Annex 3) was used to identify the current status of key strategic
areas of each country’s blood donor programme, enabling participants to identify priority areas
for their plan of action (Annex 5).
2.7.7 Development of National Action Plans
Under the guidance and support of Ms O’ Shea, Ms Tan and Dr Touzain,, participants
commenced their draft plans of action, working in their country groups and using a standard
template (Annex 6).
2.8
Closing session
Mr Yu Junping thanked the facilitators for their contribution to the workshop and wished
the participants well in their endeavours to achieve 100 per cent voluntary donation in the Pacific
Islands.
The workshop ended with a musical prayer of thanks led by the Tongan delegate,
Mr Timote Fakasi’i’eiki.
3.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
It was evident from the discussions that there is a heavy dependence on
family/replacement donors in Pacific Island countries and that blood supplies are generally
inadequate. This is indicated by the low aggregate rate of 8 donations per 1000 population as
compared to 20–50 donations per 1000 population recommended by WHO as sufficient for
national blood supply. The workshop is timely in assisting the Member States to address the
issue and develop plans towards achieving a reliable safe blood supply based on 100% voluntary
non-remunerated blood donation. It achieved its objectives and was readily accepted by the
participants.
Recommendations
The participants of the workshop provided the following recommendations:
To participants:
(1)
Confirm Plan of Action (POA) for submission to the focal person (Carol O’ Shea)
identified by WHO by 31 March 2007.
(2)
Set up an e-network and share experiences and information.
(3)
Implement, monitor, and evaluate POA.
(4)
Advocate voluntary non-remunerated blood donation to health authorities and
professionals.
(5)
Support the continuity of attendance by participants to follow-up workshops.
(6)
Support national and regional celebration for WBDD.
(7)
Submit success stories to international publications such as the “Red Cross Donor
Recruitment International”.
To national health authorities:
(1)
Support and commit to voluntary non-remunerated blood donation.
(2)
Develop and endorse national blood policy for voluntary non-remunerated blood donation.
(3)
Secure sufficient funding for donor motivation/recruitment programme.
(4)
Monitor the appropriate use of funds procured for the blood services.
(5)
Recognise voluntary non-remunerated blood donation as the cornerstone of blood safety
and an essential component in the overall health programme for the country.
(6)
Recognize that voluntary non-remunerated blood donation will contribute to the
achievement of the millennium development goals.
(7)
Strengthen the management of the blood services.
(8)
Appreciate the different natures of service delivery of hospital services and blood services
(hospitality and not hospital service).
(9)
Explore, develop and strengthen good partnership with NGOs, e.g. Red Cross, in
voluntary non-remunerated blood donation, where indicated.
(10) Link blood services to other relevant health programmes such as HIV/AIDS.
(11) Support the continuity of attendance by participants to follow-up workshops.
(12) Support national and regional celebration for WBDD.
To national Red Cross Societies:
(1)
Work in partnership with the Ministry of Health to promote voluntary non-remunerated
blood donation.
(2)
Strengthen partnerships with corporate organizations in supporting voluntary
non-remunerated blood donation.
(3)
Include voluntary non-remunerated blood donation in the overall strategy of the Red
Cross.
(4)
Encourage research in voluntary non-remunerated blood donation.
(5)
Support the continuity of attendance by participants to follow-up workshops.
(6)
Support national and regional celebration for WBDD.
(7)
Make available materials on voluntary non-remunerated blood donation to blood services
as well as national Red Cross Societies.
To World Health Organization (WHO):
(1)
Conduct follow-up workshops periodically and monitor the progress.
(2)
Provide technical assistance where required.
(3)
Support the continuity of attendance by participants to follow-up workshops.
(4)
Support national and regional celebration for WBDD.
(5)
Alternate the venue for follow-up workshops within the region.
(6)
Support the development of national blood policy.
(7)
Support the development of standards and guidelines for blood safety.
(8)
Mobilize resources to support activities to improve blood safety for the Pacific Island
Countries.
(9)
Assist the development of a standard data management system.
(10) Support in-country training of trainers workshop for donor recruiters in voluntary
non-remunerated blood donation.
(11) Educate clinicians on the appropriate use of blood and the risk associated in
family/replacement donation.
To International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC):
(1)
Work in partnership with national societies to support voluntary non-remunerated blood
donation programmes.
(2)
Assist national societies to strengthen partnerships with blood services.
(3)
Support and encourage research in voluntary non-remunerated blood donation.
(4)
Support the continuity of attendance of participants to follow-up workshops.
(5)
Support national and regional celebrations for WBDD.
(6)
Make materials on voluntary non-remunerated blood donation available to blood services
as well as national Societies.
(7)
Provide financial and technical assistance in the development of voluntary
non-remunerated blood donation programmes.
(8)
Strengthen and maintain the partnership with WHO in voluntary non-remunerated blood
donation programmes and activities.
(9)
Raise the profile of national societies in the region.
Next steps and follow-up
Participants agreed to focus on the following two areas in the next six months:
Plan of Action:
(1)
The draft plan of action by participants will be finalized with the relevant authorities in
their countries. The revised POA will be submitted by 31 March 2007 to Ms Carol O’ Shea, who
has been appointed by WHO as the focal person for the Pacific Region.
(2)
The country reports submitted by participants, the gap analysis and the draft POA will be
reviewed by Ms O' Shea within the next month. Feedback will be provided to individual
countries to assist in the review and completion of the plans by 31 May 2007.
(3)
WHO will nominate Ms Carol O' Shea as the focal point to follow up the implementation
of the POA and facilitate the networking and experience sharing among the participants.
Regional song for World Blood Donor Day 2007
(1)
Participants will use the lyrics composed at the workshop to develop a song for each
country.
(2)
The recording will be submitted to Dr Eka Buadromo , Chief Pathologist in Fji, who
agreed to assist in the compilation of a CD with the songs submitted by each country.
(3)
Countries are to submit their recordings to Dr Eka by 30 April 2007. Submissions
received after the deadline will not be accepted.
(4)
The compilation CD will be distributed by WHO to all countries in the Pacific Region at
least two weeks before WBDD.
(5)
Countries will incorporate use of the CD in their local WBDD celebrations.