Blood safety in Ethiopia: policy, practice and regulation

Elizabeth Speakman; Saro Abdella; John Dillon; Sarah K Inglis; Habtamu Taye; Christie Cabral; DESTINE NIHR GHR Group

doi:10.3310/GHDK7314

Blood safety in Ethiopia: policy, practice and regulation

Elizabeth Speakman
, Saro Abdella
, John Dillon
, Sarah K Inglis
, Habtamu Taye
, Christie Cabral
, DESTINE NIHR GHR Group

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

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Abstract

Aim
To examine blood safety policy, practice and regulation in Ethiopia, identifying ongoing challenges and facilitators.

Background
As Ethiopia transitions to lower-middle-income status, it faces increased demands on its health system. Accessible safe blood for transfusion is a key requirement and Ethiopia aims to achieve international accreditation of blood safety.

Methods
Literature and policy review of blood safety and regulation in Africa, focused on Ethiopia.

Data collection included searching of six databases, purposive hand-searching of reference lists and websites and stakeholder consultation. Data were screened and a narrative synthesis was conducted.

Findings
Ethiopia has made significant progress in increasing numbers of blood banks and voluntary blood donors. Endemic transfusion transmissible infections, adequate funding and effective haemovigilance remain challenging, and an enforceable regulatory framework is not yet in place. This is due to resource constraints (particularly of trained staff) compounded by challenging contextual issues.

Conclusions
Reaching international standards of blood safety is only achievable with adequate resourcing and planning, including increased government funding and international support.

Original language	English
Number of pages	14
Journal	Global Health Research
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.3310/GHDK7314
Publication status	Published - 11 Feb 2026

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This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

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title = "Blood safety in Ethiopia: policy, practice and regulation",

abstract = "Aim To examine blood safety policy, practice and regulation in Ethiopia, identifying ongoing challenges and facilitators. Background As Ethiopia transitions to lower-middle-income status, it faces increased demands on its health system. Accessible safe blood for transfusion is a key requirement and Ethiopia aims to achieve international accreditation of blood safety. Methods Literature and policy review of blood safety and regulation in Africa, focused on Ethiopia. Data collection included searching of six databases, purposive hand-searching of reference lists and websites and stakeholder consultation. Data were screened and a narrative synthesis was conducted. Findings Ethiopia has made significant progress in increasing numbers of blood banks and voluntary blood donors. Endemic transfusion transmissible infections, adequate funding and effective haemovigilance remain challenging, and an enforceable regulatory framework is not yet in place. This is due to resource constraints (particularly of trained staff) compounded by challenging contextual issues. Conclusions Reaching international standards of blood safety is only achievable with adequate resourcing and planning, including increased government funding and international support.",

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T1 - Blood safety in Ethiopia

T2 - policy, practice and regulation

AU - Speakman, Elizabeth

AU - Abdella, Saro

AU - Dillon, John

AU - Inglis, Sarah K

AU - Taye, Habtamu

AU - Cabral, Christie

AU - DESTINE NIHR GHR Group

PY - 2026/2/11

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N2 - Aim To examine blood safety policy, practice and regulation in Ethiopia, identifying ongoing challenges and facilitators. Background As Ethiopia transitions to lower-middle-income status, it faces increased demands on its health system. Accessible safe blood for transfusion is a key requirement and Ethiopia aims to achieve international accreditation of blood safety. Methods Literature and policy review of blood safety and regulation in Africa, focused on Ethiopia. Data collection included searching of six databases, purposive hand-searching of reference lists and websites and stakeholder consultation. Data were screened and a narrative synthesis was conducted. Findings Ethiopia has made significant progress in increasing numbers of blood banks and voluntary blood donors. Endemic transfusion transmissible infections, adequate funding and effective haemovigilance remain challenging, and an enforceable regulatory framework is not yet in place. This is due to resource constraints (particularly of trained staff) compounded by challenging contextual issues. Conclusions Reaching international standards of blood safety is only achievable with adequate resourcing and planning, including increased government funding and international support.

AB - Aim To examine blood safety policy, practice and regulation in Ethiopia, identifying ongoing challenges and facilitators. Background As Ethiopia transitions to lower-middle-income status, it faces increased demands on its health system. Accessible safe blood for transfusion is a key requirement and Ethiopia aims to achieve international accreditation of blood safety. Methods Literature and policy review of blood safety and regulation in Africa, focused on Ethiopia. Data collection included searching of six databases, purposive hand-searching of reference lists and websites and stakeholder consultation. Data were screened and a narrative synthesis was conducted. Findings Ethiopia has made significant progress in increasing numbers of blood banks and voluntary blood donors. Endemic transfusion transmissible infections, adequate funding and effective haemovigilance remain challenging, and an enforceable regulatory framework is not yet in place. This is due to resource constraints (particularly of trained staff) compounded by challenging contextual issues. Conclusions Reaching international standards of blood safety is only achievable with adequate resourcing and planning, including increased government funding and international support.

U2 - 10.3310/GHDK7314

DO - 10.3310/GHDK7314

M3 - Article

SN - 2631-7613

JO - Global Health Research

JF - Global Health Research

ER -

Blood safety in Ethiopia: policy, practice and regulation

Abstract

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