UAE | Health
UAE, WTO sign pact on blood screening
The UAE is now responsible for screening all blood samples from Eastern Mediterranean countries after it was on Wednesday officially affiliated with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- By Mariam M. Al Serkal, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:19 January 21, 2009
Sharjah: The UAE is now responsible for screening all blood samples from Eastern Mediterranean countries after it was on Wednesday officially affiliated with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The agency's flag was hoisted by Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Sharjah Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler, at the Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Centre.
The event coincided with the inauguration of the nucleic acid testing (NAT) laboratory, which can make early detections of the HIV/Aids virus, as well as Hepatitis B and C.
"Through the technique of the NAT laboratory, we can detect the virus when it is still in its early stages and before antibodies are released," said Dr Mahra Al Marzouqi, Director of Sharjah's Blood Transfusion and Research Centre. The NAT laboratory is responsible for training doctors from oversees on how to carry out the screening of blood samples correctly.
The centre was selected six months ago as the headquarters for blood transfusion services in the WHO region.
Speaking on the sideline of the ceremony, Dr Ameen Hussain Al Amiri, head of the UAE National Blood Transfusion Committee announced that a universal blood transfusion law will be drafted in March.
"An international forum will be held in Sharjah in March to start making a universal law that will regulate blood transfusion services around the world."
The universal law is aimed at streamlining blood transfusion services to all countries collaborating with the WHO.
Seven regions will participate at the four-day forum, where five experts from each region will hold specialised workshops on the necessary techniques of safe blood transfusions.
"This law will lay down the minimum requirements for blood transfusions, which will have to be implemented in all countries that are affiliated with the World Health Organisation," said Al Amiri.
He stressed that the affiliated countries will adhere to the regulations according to their abilities, as some countries may not be equipped with a national transfusion programme.
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