Interventions Safe Blood Transfusion
National Safe Blood Services PDF Print E-mail

The National Safe Blood Service is a programme of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.  It started as a pilot project in Freetown in 1994 after the signing of a tripartite agreement between the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society and the German Red Cross Society on one hand and between the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation on the other hand.  This pilot project gradually led to the phased formation of the National Blood Transmission Services, headed by a Manager under the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.

Objective

To ensure the timely availability of safe blood nationwide based on voluntary non-remunerated blood donation.

The programme is a sub recipient of the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS and implements activities geared towards ensuring that safe blood is provided to the population when required.

Currently in Sierra Leone with support from the Global Fund, WHO and MOHS, every unit of blood transfused is being screened for HIV/AIDS, syphilis, hepatitis B & C.  This activity conforms to the National and Global Fund target of 100% screening of donated blood.

Twenty seven (27) blood transfusion centres (both government and private) are monitored and supervised by the blood services programme. Three (3) regional blood transfusion centres are currently being strengthened.

Trainings have being conducted for Volunteers on how to support staff recruitment for voluntary donation of blood, laboratory technicians and clinical personnel in blood safety techniques and the use of blood and blood products.
 

Newsflash

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(International Individual Consultant)

Assignment Title: Piloting of Needle and Syringe Exchange Program in Sierra Leone

Reference No. : GF/NAS/NACP/SER/04/2018

The National AIDS Secretariat received funding from Global Fund against HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) as Principal Recipient (PR) to implement “Program Continuation Request (PCR)” which commenced in January 2018 and ends 31st December 2020. In collaboration with the Country Coordination Mechanism (CCM) of the Global Fund and its Sub Recipients (SRs), NAS is scaling up a prioritized National AIDS Response focused in six High Burden Districts and Key Populations as the most affected and infected by HIV. The current grant includes investment in HIV programs focussed on key populations including Female Sex Workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), and people who inject drugs (PWID). The Secretariat requires the services of a consultant to Pilot the Implementation of Needle and Syringe Exchange Program in Sierra Leone. The Secretariat intend to use part of the proceeds from the Global Fund grant for eligible payment for the execution of this activities.

The description (scope and output ) of the assignment include:
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