Global Initiatives
As the AABB membership continues to expand across the globe, AABB continues to expand its programs to our international community. The following outlines our most current international initiatives.
President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)
In 2004, AABB received a $2.4 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under the “President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief” to help reform national blood transfusion service programs in three African countries and one in South America. Working in conjunction with Emory University of Atlanta; BloodSource of Sacramento, California; and the American Red Cross, AABB has undertaken a project that provides technical assistance to help reduce transfusion-transmitted HIV in Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa and Guyana.
AABB CEO, Karen Shoos Lipton is the principal investigator for the grant. Since receiving the grant, AABB has organized a team of technical and operational experts who will conduct country specific assessments to evaluate the national blood transfusion service and blood collection, testing and distribution systems in the four locations and develop individual work plans. As an overview these work plans will help each site to:
- Develop and implement appropriate and achievable quality management and technical requirements;
- Create uniform standardized operating procedures;
- Provide training and continuing education programs for blood bank personnel and professionals involved with transfusion services, health care providers and the public;
- Develop and implement appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems to measure the success of the programs; and
- Increase the number of “safe” blood units collected from volunteer non-remunerated donors.
Matching International “Twins” to Transform the Field - 5/20/08
Strengthening Blood Systems In Africa: Progress Under PEPFAR and Remaining Challenges - 4/1/08
With AABB Assist, Moldova Moves Toward Voluntary Blood Donation System - 8/3/07
AABB Assesses Perception and Practices of Blood Donation in Guyana - 6/14/07
AABB Helps PEPFAR Focus Countries Meet Challenges - 1/12/07
AABB CEO Urges Congress to Support Improvement of Blood Safety in Africa - 6/30/06
Project updates will be printed in AABB Weekly Report and AABB News. For more specific information about this project, contact Jim Reilly, Division Director, Global Development at jreilly@aabb.org or +1.301.215.6511.