The Zambia National Blood Transfusion Service (ZNBTS) has refuted reports suggesting that donated blood in the country is contaminated. The organization has clarified to the stakeholders that the information was taken out of context.
The authorities have confirmed that reports are circulating around the country which suggest that the national supply of donated blood is infected. This report is inaccurate as the Zambia National Blood Transfusion Service Director, Joseph Mulenga has explained.
He claimed that the donated blood is tested and a small percentage of the blood is found to contain infectious diseases. These diseases include such as 6% of Hepatitis B, 2% for HIV, and 1% for Hepatitis C and Syphilis each.
The ZNBTS director also confirmed that the units are immediately discarded to prevent them from entering the national blood supply.
“The use of the word contaminated is misleading and could create unnecessary alarm. Our screening processes ensure that only safe blood is used for transfusions,” he said.
He has also confirmed that Zambia maintains high standards in blood collection and testing. The national blood transfusion service works under a rigorous three-stage screening process.
The director of the Zambia National Blood Transfusion Service. Mulenga reassured the public that the country has one of the best blood supply systems in Africa.
He has asked journalists to verify information from the right authorities before publication of any news articles. This will help them avoid miscommunication that could affect public confidence in blood donation.
“We encourage people to continue donating blood. Our voluntary donation system is well structured to ensure that only safe and healthy donors contribute to the national blood supply,” he added.
Recently, the Zambia National Blood Transfusion Service was quoted in the media as having revealed that the blood that is donated is contaminated with various diseases. The reports spread widespread panic among the people of the country.
Meanwhile, the authorities have now set the record straight claiming that there is no danger to the health of people due to contaminated blood.