WORLD Health Organisation (WHO) will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) to strengthen all aspects of the health systems.
That’s according to WHO rep Dr Anupama Hazarika.
She was speaking during the World Blood Donor day celebration in Honiara on Thursday.
“I want to say that blood service that gives patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quality is a key component of an effective health system and this can be ensured by through regular donations by voluntary, unpaid blood donors,” Dr Hazarika said.
She added that WHO will continue to work closely with the MHMS in continuously strengthening all aspects of the health system, including blood safety.
“We can assure you of our continued support to develop self-sustaining blood service,” she added.
Dr Hazarika said WHO has been at the forefront to improving global blood safety since 1975.
“WHO recommends an integrated strategy for blood safety and availability including establishment of a national blood system, effective evidence based and ethnical national blood policies, legislation and regulation. Strengthening donation system, quality assured screening of all donated blood, and rational use of blood and blood products.
She said that Solomon Islands has blood banks in the NRH, Kiluufi and Gizo, while smaller units are present in the rest of the provinces, embedded within the National Laboratory.
Currently the MHMS in partnership with the Red Cross conducts blood donation drives.
Dr Hazarika said that a National Blood Safety Policy is being currently drafted in line with the National Health Strategic plan 2016-2020.
