Addressing Blood Transfusion Challenges: NBSC, Dutch Partners and University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar Forge Alliance

University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) and Dutch based National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) collaborate as they fight against blood transfusion challenges in Nigeria.

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In a significant move to combat blood transfusion shortages in Nigeria, the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) has teamed up with the Netherlands-based Dutch consulate and chamber of commerce HemoClear BV. This collaborative effort aims to tackle critical challenges in blood transfusion by implementing innovative solutions.

The partnership, which includes NBSC, HemoClear BV, and the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital signifies a proactive step towards addressing blood shortages.

Mr. Yuguda, the Director-General of NBSC, stressed the significance of this collaboration, highlighting the incorporation of autologous transfusions as a key strategy to alleviate shortages.

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This approach, where a patient's own blood is collected and transfused back when needed, holds promise in reducing suffering and preventing deaths from blood loss while also preventing hazards and adverse outcomes of blood transfusion.

At the heart of this collaboration lies HemoClear's innovative micro-filtration technology, designed to simplify blood collection and processing during surgeries. This technology eliminates the need for complex equipment, making blood salvage more accessible and efficient.

According to Hemoclear, this advancement will be particularly impactful in preventing maternal mortality, especially in cases of severe bleeding after childbirth, a major cause of maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Supported by the French Fund for Innovation in Development (FID), the partnership underscores a commitment to global health improvements. The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) which held earlier during the inaugural Dutch trade mission to Nigeria witnessed the participation of key figures such as the Dutch Vice Minister for Public Health and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria.

Mr. Abdu Mukhtar, the National Coordinator of the Presidential Unlocking Healthcare Value-Chain Initiative, emphasized the alignment of this partnership with national health initiatives. He highlighted the potential for synergy in optimizing the blood value chain, enhancing supply quality, and ultimately saving lives.

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In essence, the collaboration between NBSC, Dutch partners, and UCTH presents a promising opportunity to address blood transfusion shortages, improve healthcare delivery, and save lives both in Cross River State and Nationwide.