By Foluke Akinwalere. Freelance Health Writer and DLHA volunteer. With medical review and editorial support by the DLHA Team
Get ready to unlock the door to a world of vital information about why you may need a blood transfusion and what you and your healthcare providers should do to ensure that the process saves your life and is free of unintended harm.
This presentation aims to unveil the profound significance of blood transfusions in African healthcare. From being a lifeline in emergencies to supporting chronic conditions, we’ll uncover the importance and the responsibility of ensuring a safe blood transfusion collection and delivery process in the African healthcare landscape.
We will take you through five core reasons why blood transfusion is not just a medical procedure but a vital life-saving treatment for Africans:
1. Severe Bleeding
2. Anaemia
3. Chronic diseases like Cancer
4. Bone Marrow Disorder
5. Sickle Cell Disease
Bleeding hand. Photo by Valentin Salja on Unsplash
Severe bleeding can result from:
In these situations, rapid blood loss is often life-threatening. This is why blood transfusion is a vital and effective way to replace the lost blood volume. The timely administration of compatible blood ensures that vital organs receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients to prevent further complications.
Sample of blood. Image credit: New Africa/Freepik
Anaemia is a medical condition that results in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood. It is characterised by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. Its symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
Anaemia is a widespread health issue in Africa, influenced by factors such as poor nutrition, infectious diseases, and several other chronic medical diseases.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) report, anaemia is the most common blood-related disorder. In 2019, the global prevalence of anemia was 39.8% in children aged 6-59 months, equivalent to 269 million children with anaemia. At 60.2%, the prevalence of anaemia in under-five children was highest in the African Region. [1]
In severe cases of anaemia where conventional treatments may not provide sufficient relief, transfusing red blood cells becomes a critical intervention. It helps restore the diminished oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, alleviating symptoms and improving the patient's overall health.
Patient receiving blood.
Individuals with chronic diseases like cancer may need a blood transfusion for different reasons, depending on their specific condition and treatment needs, such as chemotherapy-induced anaemia. [2]
Chemotherapy has a potent impact on rapidly dividing cells, including both cancerous and healthy cells. Unfortunately, this includes the suppression of bone marrow activity, which hinders the production of vital blood cells like red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
The common side effects of these are anaemia, fatigue, weakness, and increased risk of infection and bleeding. Therefore, there is a higher demand for blood transfusions to address these complications and support patients through the rigorous phases of the treatment.
Knowing when to balance the benefits of transfusions with the potential risks is a critical consideration in the comprehensive care of cancer patients.
Bone marrow transplant. Image from Freepik.
As in other regions of the world, Africa has its share of various bone marrow disorders that disrupt the normal production of blood cells. Conditions such as aplastic anaemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and leukemia are notable disorders.
Individuals with bone marrow disorders often face a depletion of vital blood components, leading to anaemia, compromised immunity, and increased susceptibility to infections. Hence the need for treatment like blood transfusion and bone marrow transplant to manage these complications.
A bone marrow transplant is a medical procedure to replace damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy stem cells from the donor.
During a bone marrow transplant, blood transfusions may be necessary to support the patient until the transplanted stem cells begin to function and produce new blood cells. It also eases the symptoms associated with bone marrow disorders.
Sickle cells in blood. Image credit: Freepik
Africa has been the highest prevalence of sickle cell disease and trait. 10% - 40% of the population are believed to be affected. In Cameroon, DR Congo, Uganda, Gabon, Ghana, and Nigeria, the incidence of sickle cell trait ranges from 20% to 30%. Evidence shows that Nigeria has the largest population of people affected with sickle cell disease globally. [3]
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder characterised by abnormal hemoglobin, causing red blood cells to assume a rigid, sickle-like shape. This altered structure leads to complications such as excessive destruction of the sickled red cells, leading to pain crisis, anaemia, and organ damage. Its prevalence in Africa emphasises the need for targeted interventions to manage its impact in affected individuals.
Transfusions of healthy red blood cells play a crucial role in preventing and treating complications, contributing to improved energy levels, reduced pain episodes, and decreased risk of organ damage.
Cartoon, blood transfusion. Image Credit: Freepik.
In conclusion, the common reasons for blood transfusion in Africa underscore the vital role that this medical intervention plays in saving lives. From trauma to managing chronic conditions, transfusions are a cornerstone in providing timely and effective healthcare solutions for people in Africa and worldwide..
A sustainable blood supply relies on the active participation of communities, ensuring a steady flow of safe blood for those in need across the continent.
Cartoon, Blood transfusion. Image Credit: Freepik
Your understanding of the common reasons for blood transfusion in Africa would empower you to be an agent of positive change. Whether it’s through donating blood, raising awareness, or supporting healthcare initiatives, each action contributes to a healthier, more resilient society.
Take this knowledge forward, inform and inspire others, and collectively shape a future where every African in need receives the life-saving gift of blood.
1. Aynalem M, Shiferaw E, Adane T, Gelaw Y, Enawgaw B. Anemia in African malnourished pre-school children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. SAGE Open Med. 2022 Mar 29;10:20503121221088433. doi: 10.1177/20503121221088433.
2. Larson RA. Receiving a Blood Transfusion During Cancer: What to Know and What to Expect [Internet, 2023 October 19]. Cancer.Net Accessed 2023 Dec. 6.
3. Adigwe OP, Onoja SO, Onavbavba G. A Critical Review of Sickle Cell Disease Burden and Challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa J Blood Med. 2023 May 31;14:367-376. doi: 10.2147/JBM.S406196.
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Published: December 9, 2023
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