Screening for Transfusion Transmitted Infections - an important aspect in achieving the elimination goals for India
By now, it’s a known fact that every two seconds someone needs blood and each year thousands of lives are saved by blood transfusions, globally. Having said that, Transfusion Transmitted Infections (TTIs) are a global health concern. India has taken significant steps in line with the WHO guidelines to limit the prevalence of TTIs over the past few years . According to the latest data registered by WHO in 2020, of the 118.5 mn blood donations collected globally, 40% were collected in high-income countries, home to 16% of the world’s population. While this may give an indication of the number of patients benefitting through blood transfusions, another important aspect to consider is how many patients requiring transfusion get timely access to safe blood. Blood and blood components are life-saving but at the same time can often result in significant adverse events including immunologic reactions and infections, which can prove to be fatal. Transfusion Transmitted Infections (TTIs) are p