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Press Release

WP Blood Transfusion Service (WPBTS) is an independent not for gain organisation which provides the Western Cape with blood products and blood banking services. The remainder of the country is served by the SA National Blood Service (SANBS) with whom we work in co-operation to provide blood products for the whole country.

WPBTS is aware of the categorisation policies of SANBS and understand that it is based on an epidemiological analysis of HIV statistics in various population groups. This analysis forms part of their approach to minimising HIV transmission to recipients of blood transfusions.

In the Western Cape we do not follow this approach since our current policies have managed effectively to keep our HIV donor seroprevalence at very low levels* All blood currently collected in the Western Cape(providing it meets quality and safety requirements) is processed, tested and issued from our blood banks to all patients in need.

The WPBTS policy regarding minimising the risk for HIV transmission is as follows:

• Volunteer blood donors are recruited and are encouraged to maintain regular donation patterns
• Donor education is continually maintained
• Donor questionnaires continually reviewed and ®tightened¯ and more emphasis is being placed on personal interviews with donors
• All donations are meticulously tested and quarantined until tests become available
• There is an ongoing education process of all end users of blood/blood products

The above WPBTS policy elements are well endorsed, practised internationally and have been shown by the World Health Organisation and the International Red Cross to form the basis of safe blood donation.

Currently the seroprevalence of the general population in the Western Cape is approximately 10-13%. The current prevalence of HIV amongst our blood donations is around 0.02%. When compared to the Provincial rate, this is a significant achievement. Since 2004 the seroprevalence has dropped from about 0.07% to the present levels of 0.02%.

On behalf of WPBTS and SANBS we would like to encourage all donors to continue doing their good work. Your blood donations do make a difference to many lives. For information on where to donate blood in Western Cape, please contact 021 - 5076300

Issued by:

Marika Champion
Public Relations
Tel: 021 - 5076368
083-4114583