Blood transfusion services in Ondo State: Southwestern Nigeria, Our Experi ence. : A l i t erat ure revi ew

Abstract

Background: The demand for blood transfusion in

Ondo State south-western Nigeria, is increasing daily.

This has since posed a major challenge to the

establishment of blood transfusion services in the

State. More importantly, poor implementation of

blood transfusion guidelines, poor screening

methods, and superstitious belief has placed the

health system in the state in a precarious position.

Aim: This study was carried out to review literature

on the current status and challenges of blood

transfusion services within Ondo State.

Conclusion and Recommendation: The study

concluded that minimal improvement has been made

in the transfusion services in the State over the years

resulting in increase in cases of TTIs in Ondo State.

In order to address this issue, the study recommends

that government should enforce adherence to laid

down guidelines in the Ondo State blood transfusion

policy. There should be the establishment of a

regulatory/enabling law known as Blood transfusion

services in Ondo state by the State House of

Assembly. Also, rational use of blood should be

practiced to avoid unnecessary transfusion and risks

attached to the transfusion practices. Furthermore,

collection of blood, plasma and other blood

components from low-risk and voluntary donors

without monetary remunerations is strongly advised