Blood Product Management in Developing Countries

Transfusion of blood and blood products is not only critical in life-threatening emergencies but also facilitates management of acute and chronic conditions in routine patient care [1]. In developing countries (DGCs) such as those in sub-Saharan Africa, the greatest need for transfusions is in children with malaria-related anemia and women with obstetric hemorrhage [1, 2]. These clinical scenarios are associated with a mortality index of up to 25.5% [2]. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) included fresh-frozen plasma, platelets, red blood cells, and whole blood on its Model List of Essential Medicines in 2019, many DGCs lack reliable access to these products [3].