Objectives and Targets for program area:

The primary objective of the blood safety programme is to prevent transmission of infectious agents such as HIV through transfusion and also to support the HIV/AIDS intervention and care/support programmes. It is estimated that globally, about 5-10% of HIV infections are due to transfusion of contaminated blood.

Global blood safety initiatives aim to close this gap to a negligible level. Kenya has also been working to support the global Blood Safety initiatives through its Blood Safety Programme implemented by NASCOP. This activity complements that of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), which seeks to collect blood from low risk volunteer blood donors. Whereas the NBTS aims to supply all health care facilities, it has only achieved about 70% - 80% coverage.

NASCOP supports safe transfusion practice at the hospital level. This activity will ensure that blood collected from family replacement donors at hospitals is tested for HIV. It is known that transfusion of HIV infected blood is the most efficient way of transmitting the HIV virus and it is estimated that the risk involved is above 90% in contrast to a risk level of between 0.1 – 1.0% from a single sexual exposure. Two thirds of transfusions are to expectant mothers and young children, the leading causes for transfusion being obstetric complications and malaria. These unborn and young children have a longer life span and therefore need to be protected from unnecessary infections.

In Kenya, Blood is currently screened for Syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C to ensure that it is safe for transfusion. This activity conforms to the national target of universal access to quality HIV testing for both individuals and the blood transfusion service.