Two prominent organisations last week announced signing a formal joint agreement to provide stronger support for blood safety and donation programmes in Africa.

The two bodies are  Safe Blood for Africa Foundation (SBFA) and Hema-Quebec.

"SBFA has been energetically contributing to a safer and adequate blood supply in sub-Saharan Africa for more than 10 years,” Danica Holley, SBFA’s Director of Development said.

The non-profit foundation was established to assist African countries in achieving safe and adequate blood supply.

The organisation provides training and technical assistance in fundamental areas of blood safety.

SBFA also manages a youth-oriented programme called Club 25 that educates and informs young adults on the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyles.

WHO estimates that 5-10 percent of HIV/AIDS infections in Africa occur from unsafe blood transfusions while 25 percent maternal deaths are attributed to a lack of blood for transfusion.

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