Countries in West Africa Need to Implement Evidence-Based Best Practices to Optimize Blood Transfusion Service Delivery Across the Subregion

Blood transfusion services (BTSs) are an indispensable component of healthcare delivery systems, particularly in the West African subregion, where preventable and treatable conditions such as severe anaemia, obstetric haemorrhage, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), trauma, malaria, sickle cell disease, and other haematological disorders contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality. Despite significant progress in recent decades in the evolving field of transfusion medicine, many countries in the subregion continue to face challenges related to blood safety, availability, accessibility, and sustainability. This chapter examines critical areas where best practices need to be implemented or strengthened to enhance blood transfusion service delivery across the subregion. Emphasis should be placed on policy and governance, donor recruitment, laboratory screening, cold chain management, effective clinical use, quality management systems, haemovigilance, continuous quality development, human capital development, and regional collaboration. Implementing these best practices will significantly improve transfusion safety, optimize the use of blood and blood components, and contribute to improved patient outcomes. Strong political commitment, sustainable financing, and regional collaboration are essential to achieving resilient and effective BTSs capable of meeting the need for safe and effective blood for the subregional population.