Epidemiology and Prevention of Transfusion‐Associated Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission in Sub‐Saharan Africa

Abstract

International aid to establish and maintain HIV antibody screening programmes, implementation of sound criteria for transfusion, and the search for HIV risk factors to use as donor exclusion criteria must be expanded in the region.

Reduced risk of transfusion-transmitted HIV in Kenya through centrally co-ordinated blood centres, stringent donor selection and effective p24 antigen-HIV antibody screening

“…[2]. Contrary to reports from across sub‐Saharan Africa which have previously indicated a substantial burden of HIV infections attributed to blood transfusion [2,17,19–23], this study identified no evidence of laboratory or reporting error and only a theoretical risk of HIV transmission because of acute infections potentially detectable by NAT. These results demonstrate that a profound reduction in the risk of transfusion‐associated HIV infection is possible in resource‐limited countries with severe, generalized HIV epidemics, and validate the NBTS decision to implement the WHO recommendations for national blood services.…”

Human immunodeficiency virus prevalence, incidence, and residual transmission risk in first‐time and repeat blood donations in Zimbabwe: implications on blood safety

“…New donors aged 16 to 20 years donating at a school venue are generally deemed to be safe and their blood is collected in blood bags with anticoagulant. The new donors in age group 21 to 44 years are in the high‐risk category and their blood is collected in blood packs without an anticoagulant as part of risk management for HIV and other transfusion‐transmissible infections (TTIs) . As an additional safety measure for window period–phased donations there are instances when a dry pack is used on repeat donors.…”

“…The new donors in age group 21 to 44 years are in the high-risk category 14, 18 and their blood is collected in blood packs without an anticoagulant as part of risk management for HIV and other transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs). [19][20][21][22] As an additional safety measure for window period-phased donations there are instances when a dry pack is used on repeat donors. This applies to all lapsed repeat donors and repeat donors aged 21 to 30 years coming for their second donations.…”

Translation of Biomedical Prevention Strategies for HIV

“…The impact of other less expensive strategies on HIV transmission risk reduction, such as donor deferral and the non-use of donations from higher risk sub-populations has been highlighted in low income countries 273-277 . Unfortunately, these cost-effective strategies are not being applied consistently 273,274,278-280 . While progress towards improving safe and adequate supplies of blood is being made 278 , continued government commitment is critical for ensuring quality, safety, and adequacy of the blood supply, particularly in lower income nations where challenges in capacity, logistics, and infrastructure are common.…”