Unclear unit costs of collection, limits availability of blood in health facilities

Abstract

Blood is a vital health care resource used in a number of clinical services worldwide. According to the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services Strategic Plan (2010-2015), it is very key in prevention and treatment of anemia, reduction of mortality among women and children, prevention of HIV/AIDS, attendance to accidents and emergencies among others. Over the years, budget allocations to blood provision have been increasing in both nominal and real terms. However, the change in targets is minimal and the country continues to suffer blood shortages with over 2,000 deaths annually over the years. A total of 10,000 lives have been lost due to anemia in the last four years (2014/15 to 2017/18). Some of the deaths are preventable given availability of blood and timely transfusions. This policy brief highlights trends and linkage between annual budgetary allocations and safe blood provision targets in relation to amounts of units of blood collected, tested and issued to health facilities. The scope of the analysis covers 11 years from FY 2007/08 to FY 2017/18.