Difficulties in achieving a sustainable blood supply: report from the first national seminar on blood donation in Lebanon

Background: Lebanon has a decentralized/fragmented transfusion system. The current blood supply does not meet the World Health Organization target of achieving 100% voluntary non-remunerated blood donation (VNRD). There are currently 3 types of donors/donations in Lebanon: replacement/family donations (70-75%), VNRD (20-25%), and compensated donations (5-10%). Remunerated donations are illegal. Aims: This report summarizes the content of presentations given during the first World Blood Donor Day seminar in Lebanon in June 2017. The aim is to describe the current Lebanese blood supply system and the major road blocks and to suggest practical recommendations that may assist in achieving 100% VNRD. Methods: The content of presentations given during the first World Blood Donor Day seminar in Lebanon in June 2017 were summarized. Results: The seminar was attended by all major stakeholders involved in transfusion medicine (Lebanese National Committee of Blood Transfusion, Hospital Blood Banks directors, Lebanese Army Blood Bank, Lebanese Red Cross and Donner Sang Compter). Conclusions: The Ministry of Public Health should focus on performing regular audits regarding the implementation of national guidelines. There is a need for a national blood supply committee, unifying all stakeholders in the transfusion and donation fields. Transfusion medicine should be declared by law as a public health issue and considered a priority for patient safety.