Improving Blood Transfusion Services

Postpartum haemorrhage contributes to 25% of maternal deaths worldwide, rising to 40% in Sub-Saharan Africa. Treatment of postpartum haemorrhage—particularly for anaemic women—requires timely, quality blood transfusions. There are a number of barriers to the provision of transfusion services, especially in low- and middle-income settings where the need is the greatest. These include unavailability of blood, unsafe blood, poor uptake of labour and delivery care, difficulties getting blood to transfusing facilities, and poor documentation of patient information. Examples of innovative and practical solutions to overcome these barriers are highlighted.