BLOOD BANKING SYSTEMS IN AFRICA: CHALLENGES, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STRENGTHENING BLOOD BANKING SYSTEMS IN AFRICA – A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Blood banking systems in Africa are critical to addressing the healthcare needs of millions of people, particularly in emergencies, maternal care, and chronic conditions like sickle cell disease. However, the region faces significant challenges that limit the availability and safety of blood, including inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, insufficient training, and low public awareness about voluntary blood donation. These issues lead to blood shortages, placing immense pressure on healthcare providers and resulting in preventable morbidity and mortality. Despite these challenges, there have been several innovative efforts to improve blood banking systems in Africa. Mobile blood collection units, low-cost blood screening technologies, and national awareness campaigns have demonstrated positive outcomes, increasing access to safe blood, especially in rural and underserved areas. These innovations, combined with the establishment of regional blood transfusion services, have helped to overcome some of the logistical and financial barriers to blood collection and distribution.

                 

Peer Review History:

Received 6 April 2025;   Reviewed 9 May 2025; Accepted 21 June; Available online 15 July 2025

Academic Editor: Dr. Gehan Fawzy Abdel Raoof Kandeel, Pharmacognosy Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622,  Giza, Egypt, gehankandeel9@yahoo.com 

Reviewers:

Antonio José de Jesus Evangelista, Federal University of Ceará, UFC, Brazil, tony_biomed@hotmail.com

Dr. Emmanuel O. Olorunsola, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria, olorunsolaeo@yahoo.com