Safe Blood Starts with Me - libdoc.who.int - World Health Organization

BLOOD SAVES LIVES IN WHO’S REGIONAL OFFICE FORSouth-East AsiaDr Uton Muchtar RafeiMessage from theRegional DirectorThe Regional Director for WHO’sSouth-East Asian Region (SEARO),Dr Uton Muchtar Rafei passed aspecial message to membercountries on the occasion of WorldHealth Day 2000 highlighting anurgent need to develop nationalstrategies for safe bloodtransfusion and to ensure theirefficient implementation. Hismessage covered the importanceof phasing out replacement andprofessional blood donors in allcountries in the region besidesscreening of all donated blood andits rational use.The example set by his message,the extensive materials developedand shared within the South-EastAsia Region, and the activities thattook place, are summarized below.Preparation ofinformation kitsKits containing two booklets wereprepared by SEARO, namely— a booklet on information andanswers to basic questions forpotential blood donors; and— a booklet on information forclinicians on appropriate use ofblood.Car sticker and a poster on“Safe blood starts with me” wereincluded in these kits, that weredistributed to all MemberCountries much ahead of 7 Aprilfor translation into regionallanguages.New Year greeting cards wereprinted and distributed to allMember Countries well inadvance.A calendar on the theme wasprepared, printed and distributedto all Member Countries.Posters depicting variousstrategies on blood safety wereprepared and displayed in thelobby of the SEARO building.A website on safe blood wascreated which covered all technicalpublications and activities onWorld Health Day and beyond.Dr Uton Muchtar Rafei, Regional Director SEARO and Dr Geoffrey Dennis,Representative of the IFRCRCS, addressing press conference82 ▲ WORLD HEALTH DAY ▼ SAFE BLOOD STARTS WITH ME