We are thrilled to announce that our article, “Securing Europe’s Health Future: The Need for a Safe Blood Supply,” has been published in the journal Open Access Government. This publication underscores the critical role of blood donations in Europe’s healthcare system and highlights the recent advancements in regulatory frameworks aimed at ensuring a safe, sufficient, and sustainable blood supply.
Blood donations are indispensable for a wide range of medical treatments, from routine surgeries to emergency care and chronic disease management, including anaemias and cancer. In the EU, approximately 1,400 blood establishments manage the collection and distribution of blood and its components, utilising over 18 million blood bag sets annually. However, maintaining a safe and sustainable blood supply faces several challenges, including safety concerns, demand management during crises, and the environmental impact of the supply chain.
Recognising these challenges, the BTA outlines in the article how the EU has recently updated its legal framework for substances of human origin (SoHO), such as blood and its components. The new SoHO Regulation aims to enhance the safety and sustainability of the EU’s blood supply. This regulation introduces a harmonised, comprehensive, and flexible framework for managing SoHOs, enforcing stricter standards for collection, testing, processing, and distribution.
As explained thoroughly in the original article, the SoHO Regulation incorporates climate change considerations, particularly in response to the increase in vector-borne diseases and pathogens. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for a robust blood supply system, leading to the establishment of a rapid alert mechanism for major incidents and the development of national emergency plans to handle critical shortages. As the regulation is implemented across the EU, its effects on blood safety and supply will be closely observed. The BTA’s advocacy and support for this regulation demonstrate our dedication to enhancing blood transfusion practices and ensuring a secure blood supply for everyone.
The Blood Transfusion Association (BTA) has long championed secure and effective blood transfusion practices. As the primary advocate for our members, we work to ensure that blood supply systems adhere to the highest standards of safety and reliability. Our efforts align closely with the new SoHO Regulation, promising a new era of enhanced safety protocols and sustainable practices within Europe’s blood supply network. We are proud to contribute to a more resilient and secure global healthcare system, ready to face future challenges.