From policy to practice: World Health Organization’s contribution to safer blood transfusions in Africa for sickle cell management – a review

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major public health challenge in Africa, where the prevalence of the condition is high, and it contributes to significant morbidity and mortality, especially among children. Blood transfusions are a crucial therapeutic intervention for managing complications of SCD, such as severe anemia and stroke, which are common among affected individuals. However, many African countries face significant barriers in providing safe, adequate, and timely blood transfusions due to underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure, limited voluntary blood donations, and a shortage of trained healthcare professionals. This review explores the World Health Organization's (WHO) role in enhancing blood transfusion services for SCD patients in Africa, highlighting its advocacy efforts, policy development, infrastructure strengthening, and capacity-building initiatives. The WHO has been pivotal in advocating for the integration of blood transfusion services into national healthcare systems and developing guidelines for safe blood collection, storage, and distribution. Additionally, WHO has worked to promote voluntary blood donation campaigns, ensuring a steady and safe supply of blood products. WHO's efforts also include providing technical support to healthcare systems in Africa to improve blood transfusion infrastructure, increase public awareness about the importance of regular blood donation, and ensure that healthcare professionals are properly trained in transfusion medicine. These initiatives aim to enhance the quality and accessibility of blood transfusion services, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals living with SCD.