Global HIV/AIDS-related Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports

About CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series

The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) series is prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Often called “the voice of CDC,” the MMWR series is the agency’s primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations.

November 25, 2011 / Vol. 60 / No. 46

Updated Progress toward Strengthening National Blood Transfusion Services – 14 countries, 2008-2010

In sub-Saharan Africa, transfusion-transmitted HIV infection persists, particularly among women and children. Increasing adequacy of blood collections and prevention of transfusion-transmitted HIV infection continues to be a priority under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This report describes the progress toward strengthening blood transfusion services in 14 countries receiving PEPFAR support. These countries continue to make progress in enacting legislative framework supporting national blood policy; increasing the number of whole blood unit collections and the proportion of collections from voluntary, non-remunerated donors; and decreasing the proportion of collected blood units reactive for HIV.