Blood Transfusion Milestones: A Review of Recent Developments in Kenya

INTRODUCTION

Historically, blood transfusion medicine is dating way back in the reign of Pope Vincent Viii, the first mankind beneficiary of blood transfusion science from whom several subsequent safety improvements ensued courtesy of Dr. James Blundell. To date, global blood consumption is estimated at 117.4 million units of which majority (52%) are apportioned to children < 5 years and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) cases. In view of this increasing demand for blood, emerging threats of commercialization and the increasing risk of blood pathogens; WHO members’ states meeting in Geneva declared their total commitments to the WHA agenda three (Availability, Safety & Quality). It was not until recently (7/11/2018) that blood products were included in the list of essential medicine by Kenya pharmacy and poisons board.

AIM

This study highlights major strides made by Kenya so far in realization of WHA agenda three.

METHOD

In a systematic review of WHO, KNBTS, Pharmacy and Poisons Board website repositories, we collected verified annual data reports and conducted SWOT analysis on blood transfusion progress since the establishment of KNBTS and the first blood policy guideline (2001).

RESULTS

Strengths; – Continued support by the global communities on SLIMTA programs through PEPFAR / CDC have seen KNBTS quality status improved from 0 to 3 stars by 2017.
Weaknesses; - Inability to meet the national annual demand of 180, 000 units for > 500 transfusing hospital is a stumbling block towards millennium journey.
Objectives met; – Establishment of blood testing logarithm complete with e-progesa BECs, embracing Trima Accel apheresis technology, HuQAS EQS surveillance, and the subsequent inclusion of blood products in the list of essential medicine effectively ushered Kenya into ISO-compliance.

Threats; - Overall seroprevalence of blood pathogens remain high (9.4%), while reported cases of exorbitant prices charged by private hospital and high extortions rates ranging between ksh. 2500 - 3000 in public hospital are negative public / press feedbacks derailing gains achieved by the Country.

CONCLUSION

Kenya has made substantial strides in realization of WHA Resolutions despite challenges, more so with recent establishment of a committee of experts to support quality improvement.