Session: Hemophilia Therapy: A Challenge to the World Blood Resources” Topic: “How can the Problem be Solved? Is Blood a World Resource?”

The production of factor VIII is only one of many interdependent commitments of the Blood Transfusion Service, and is unlikely to be the final determining factor in limiting the total commitment. The real challenge of Haemophilia Therapy cannot be met by any amount of effort by plasma fractionators - it lies in the gaining and retaining of the willing co-operation of the volunteer donor, and of the ordinary citizen who directly or indirectly supports the haemophiliac by his contribution to national wealth. There must be a comprehensive programme to utilise human blood and blood products in which haemophilia therapy is only a part. I do not think this challenge can be met by regarding blood as a World Resource. It is a Community or National resource. The practice of moving surplus blood or blood products from one affluent country to another is of doubtful wisdom, in the long term, for either participant.

 

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