Blood donation ethics: ensuring the safety, fairness and dignity of donors and recipients

---

Extract from the article: The ethics of blood donation are based on four fundamental principles that enable the CNTS to ensure national self-sufficiency in blood products. These fundamental principles, which are anonymity, voluntariness and non-profit, guarantee the safety, f

---

The ethics of blood donation are based on four fundamental principles that enable the CNTS to ensure national self-sufficiency in blood products. These fundamental principles, which are anonymity, voluntariness and non-profit, guarantee the safety, fairness and dignity of donors and recipients. They are essential for maintaining trust between donors, recipients and health facilities (hospitals, transfusion centres). 

Hundreds of blood donations are made every year in Togo. Needs are constantly on the increase, notably due to longer life expectancy and improved technical facilities. Donating blood and blood components is a highly regulated and supervised activity. It is also a human action with a strong social and solidarity component that raises many societal and ethical questions, some of which are controversial. The Centre National de Transfusion Sanguine (CNTS) is the public body responsible for self-sufficiency in blood products, in compliance with the ethical principles enshrined in law and the health safety rules guaranteeing control of transfusion-related infectious risks.

Voluntary work

Blood donation must be voluntary, without any pressure. Pressure could lead donors to conceal information about their health that could constitute a risk to themselves and, above all, to the recipient.

 Voluntary or free donation

Blood donation is voluntary and unpaid. Free donation is essential to avoid the risks of pressure or financial inducement, which can lead to unethical donation practices or risks to the health of donors and recipients. This can compromise the safety of blood products and encourage risky behaviour.

Anonymity and confidentiality

Information about donors and recipients must be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Donors must be reassured that their personal and medical details are well protected. This helps to establish a climate of trust in the donation process. It also avoids social pressures between recipients and donors.

Non-profit and non-commercialisation

Blood donation must remain non-profit.The non-commercialisation of blood is a fundamental ethical principle.The World Health Organisation (WHO) points out that the trade in blood and blood products is associated with significant ethical risks, in particular the exploitation of donors. Non-remunerated donation systems are considered to be more ethical and effective in guaranteeing blood quality and preventing abuse.

Other values, which are sometimes extensions of the four fundamental values, may be considered in the context of the activities of blood transfusion centres.

Informed consent

Donors must be fully informed of the risks and procedures associated with blood donation.They must give their free and informed consent. They must understand the implications of their donation and be aware of their rights and duties. This is an important part of their commitment.

Non-discrimination

Donor selection criteria must be based on medical considerations to ensure the safety of recipients and donors themselves. The criteria must not be discriminatory and must be applied in a transparent manner.In other words, blood donation policies must not discriminate against donors on the basis of gender, ethnic origin, socio-economic status or any other factor not relevant to the safety of the donation. All patients must have the same rights of access to blood products, regardless of their socio-economic status, origin or social condition. This ensures equity in the distribution of medical resources.

Blood must be distributed equitably and according to medical need.Decisions concerning the distribution of blood products must be guided by medical and ethical criteria, and not by economic or political considerations.

Safety

The safety of donors and recipients is paramount. Strict protocols are in place to guarantee the safety of donations. Each blood sample undergoes rigorous testing to detect any transmissible diseases, thus ensuring the quality of blood products. Any sample found to contain a pathogenic agent is automatically destroyed under the required sanitary conditions.

Solidarity

Donating blood is an act of solidarity with others. It is based on a collective consciousness in which each individual contributes to the well-being of the community by offering a part of themselves to save lives. That's why blood donation is everyone's business. Because anyone can, in a clinical situation, need blood bags to save their life.

 

Preserving public health

Blood donation programmes must promote public health.This is achieved by ensuring that collection, storage and distribution practices meet high standards to prevent the transmission of disease and guarantee the safety of transfusions.

Social responsibility

Blood donation awareness campaigns must be conducted in an ethical manner, respecting the principles of transparency and honesty, while avoiding creating fear or guilt.These principles help to ensure that the blood donation system is fair, safe and respectful of the rights and dignity of the individuals involved. Promoting these ethical values is essential to strengthening the culture of donation and meeting the need for blood products.

William O.

Article validated by Pr. Lochina Fétéké, Director of the CNTS