ESTABLISHING A BLOOD-BANK AT A SMALL HOSPITAL, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Preliminary studies: A facility review at Enugu-Ukwu General Hospital in Anambra State revealed limited blood transfusion and no blood stora ge capabilities. Focus groups indicated fears and misconceptions in th e population regarding risks of blood donation and transfusion. interv entions: In 1994, a blood bank was established, including a refrigerat or, backup generator, reagents and supplies. Refresher training was pr ovided to the laboratory technologist. A public education campaign was launched one year later to encourage blood donation and dispel fears of transfusion. Results: Voluntary blood donations in the hospital inc reased from zero units before the program to 15 in 1995. Transfusions increased from three in 1993 to 17 in 1995. Eight of the 17 were for o bstetric cases. No donations or transfusions occurred Until six months after the establishment of the blood bank. Problems encountered in ob taining the cooperation of hospital management map partly explain the delayed response. Costs: The cast of establishing the blood bank was U S $8800: 51% material costs and 42% training. Conclusions: Improving t he availability of blood at small hospitals need not be very expensive . Community education activities may increase blood donation, but sust ained efforts are likely to be required. Ministry of Health (MOH) invo lvement is important to the success of interventions in government hos pitals. (C) 1997 International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics.