Global Challenges and Innovations in Low-and Middle-Income Country Blood Systems

Blood transfusion has come a long way. Since the discovery of Landsteiner late 19th century clinical use has become possible. However, it took decades before an effective quality blood supply system (managerial and operational, well-governed) was developed serving different hospitals. The World Health Assembly resolution 28.72 adopted in 1975 has been the take-off point of innovation. Together and supported by United Nations Development Program the world was classified in three and later four groups of countries based on three essential domains: longevity and health, education, income; Low-, Medium- and High-Human Development Index. World Health Organization, analyzing these Human Development Index groups for their health care systems and blood systems, recognized Human Development Index groups and the high considerable gaps between the Low- and Medium-Human Development Index groups and the High-Human Development Index group of countries seemingly caused by a weak governance structure and Infrastructure and education, almost absent quality culture and poor to mediocre economies. The International League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, World Health Organization and several transfusion societies and associations attempted to fill the gap, but so far made insufficient progress. Recent innovative initiatives of World Health Organization and United Nations Development Plan are promising.