Rwanda Pioneers Plasma Export Initiative

By Adebowale Bello. Freelance Health Writer

Africa map showing Rwanda and neighbouring East African countries. Click on image to enlarge.

Friday, August 9, 2024. In a landmark move, Rwanda is poised to commence plasma exports, addressing the financial burden of excess production and disposal while simultaneously enhancing access to vital plasma-derived medicinal products. This strategic initiative, outlined in a Ministerial Order published on July 12, 2024, marks a significant step in the country's healthcare landscape.

Reasons for the Plasma Export Strategy

Dr. Thomas Muyombo, Blood Transfusion Division Manager at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), elucidated the rationale behind this innovative approach. With only 5% of Rwanda's annual plasma production currently utilized domestically, the country faces the challenge of managing approximately 38,000 liters of surplus plasma each year.

"Discarding or destroying unused plasma through incineration implies a cost," Dr. Muyombo explained. "This initiative aims to utilize the excess plasma that was previously wasted, causing financial losses."

The Ministerial Order stipulates a minimum price of $50 per liter for plasma sales, a figure determined through comprehensive market research and consultations with international plasma fractionation facilities.

Preparation and Implementation

Rwanda is actively engaging with potential partners in Africa and Asia to facilitate plasma exports. These collaborations could lead to either monetary compensation or the exchange of plasma for derived medicinal products.

To meet international standards, Rwanda is expanding its storage capabilities and acquiring a Nucleic acid testing (NAT) platform, a crucial component for plasma export qualification. Dr. Muyombo anticipates the commencement of exports within the current fiscal year, projecting the first shipment by July 2025.

Impact on Healthcare Accessibility

A primary objective of this initiative is to improve access to plasma-derived medicinal products for Rwandan patients. These products, which are often prohibitively expensive are essential for treating various chronic conditions.

"This ministerial order will enable us to obtain plasma-derived drugs at a lower cost," Dr. Muyombo stated, highlighting the potential for significant savings on treatments that can cost up to Rwf400,000 per month.

Economic Considerations and Sustainability

While the plasma export program is expected to generate revenue, Dr. Muyombo emphasized that it is not intended as a profit-driven venture. The initiative aims primarily to offset the costs associated with blood collection and management, estimated at Rwf30,000 per unused plasma bag.

"This is not a product we can say the country is going to export to be rich," Dr. Muyombo clarified. "It implies sustainability and cost recovery for blood collection and management in an indirect manner."

As Rwanda embarks on this pioneering journey, the potential for regional collaboration in plasma production and fractionation remains an exciting prospect for the future. This innovative approach not only addresses immediate healthcare challenges but also positions Rwanda as a forward-thinking leader in medical resource management within Africa.

Source: The New Times (Rwanda)

Related:  10 Things That Africans Should Know About Blood Transfusion

Published: August 9, 2024

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