Action framework to advance universal access to safe, effective and quality-assured blood products 2020–2023

The document presents an "Action Framework" aimed at advancing universal access to safe, effective, and quality-assured blood products for the period 2020–2023. Recognizing the essential role of blood products in healthcare, the framework emphasizes the need for a coordinated national blood system. Blood products, including whole blood, blood components for transfusion, and plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs), are crucial for various medical treatments and procedures.

The framework identifies challenges in establishing and strengthening national blood systems, especially in many parts of the world where progress has been slow. Key challenges include gaps in policy, regulations, governance, and financing; insufficient blood collection and availability; low levels of voluntary non-remunerated donations; and deficiencies in ensuring blood safety and quality.

To address these challenges, the framework outlines six strategic objectives:

Establishing a well-structured, coordinated, and sustainably resourced national blood system. Implementing an appropriate national framework of regulatory controls, standards, and quality assessment programs. Ensuring functioning and efficiently managed blood services. Implementing effective patient blood management to optimize clinical transfusion practices. Establishing effective surveillance, haemovigilance, and pharmacovigilance systems with comprehensive data collection. Promoting partnerships, collaboration, and information exchange at global, regional, and national levels. The framework aligns with various World Health Assembly and WHO regional resolutions and is in line with the WHO's broader goals of achieving universal health coverage. The document underscores the importance of collaboration between WHO, its Member States, and relevant organizations to ensure global access to safe blood products.