WFSA delivers a statement to the 75th WHO Africa Regional Committee (RC75) on the importance of Patient Blood Management (PBM) to Africa’s efforts to realise universal access to safe blood products.
WFSA Statement on Agenda Item 10 – Advancing Universal Access to Safe Blood in the WHO African Region
The World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) welcomes the adoption of the Framework to Advance Universal Access to Safe, Effective and Quality-Assured Blood Products in the WHO African Region (2026–2030). We commend the Regional Committee’s commitment to strengthening blood systems as a pillar of universal health coverage and patient safety.
We urge Member States to recognise that ensuring access to safe blood is not solely about increasing blood donations or transfusion services. True progress requires an integrated, holistic approach to blood management, with Patient Blood Management at its core. PBM is a patient-focused, evidence-based strategy that has been shown to improve patient outcomes while saving healthcare resources. It does so through the effective management of patient’s blood before, during and after surgery.
PBM optimises the clinical use of blood by addressing anaemia, reducing blood loss, and improving transfusion decision-making. Integrating PBM into national blood strategies will help countries reduce the demand for avoidable and costly transfusions while enhancing patient outcomes. PBM supports more efficient use of limited blood supplies, easing pressure on health systems and increasing resilience in emergency contexts.WFSA encourages Member States to embed PBM within their national health plans, develop and implement clinical guidelines, train health workers in PBM practices, and include PBM indicators in health information systems.
The statement was delivered by WFSA’s RC75 delegation of Dr Sompwe Mwansa, President of the Anaesthetists of Zambia; Dr Francoise Nizeyimana, Rwandan Society of Anaesthesiologists; and Dr Tariku Assefa, President of the Ethiopian Society of Anesthesiologists Professionals Association.
