EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PREVENTION OF TRANSFUSION-ASSOCIATED HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS TRANSMISSION IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Background and objectives: Compared to industrialised nations, countri es in sub-Saharan Africa experience a greater amount of transfusion-as sociated HIV transmission due to high rates of transfusion in some gro ups of patients, a higher incidence and prevalence of HIV infection in donor populations, a lack of HIV antibody screening in some areas, an d a higher residual risk of contamination in blood supplies despite an tibody screening. Materials and methods: Epidemiologic review. Results : Epidemiologic evidence supports the effectiveness of three relativel y inexpensive strategies to prevent transfusion-associated HIV transmi ssion in sub-Saharan Africa: HIV antibody screening, avoidance of unne cessary use of blood products, and exclusion of donors at high risk of infection. Such prevention strategies have not been universally imple mented. Conclusions: International aid to establish and maintain HIV a ntibody screening programmes, implementation of sound criteria for tra nsfusion, and the search for HIV risk factors to use as donor exclusio n criteria must be expanded in the region.