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Journal of Public Health Advance Access published online on April 20, 2009
Journal of Public Health, doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdp030
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© The Author 2009, Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved

Matching supply and demand for blood in Guizhou province, China: an unresolved challenge


Lucy Reynolds, Research Fellow
Martin McKee, Professor of European Public Health

European Centre on Health of Societies in Transition, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK


Address correspondence to Martin McKee, E-mail: martin.mckee{at}lshtm.ac.uk


  Abstract

Background Problems with blood supply in China in the 1990s stimulated measures to achieve 100% voluntary donation but supply remains inadequate to meet demand.

Study design and methods Review of official policies, supplemented with observation of practice and interviews with key informants (potential and actual donors and health workers) in Guizhou province in Southern China.

Results Interviewees perceived the transfusion system as a mutual social contract. However, some individuals were unwilling to donate because of concerns about health risks, the idea of transferring blood between people, wastage or profits being made from blood. Inappropriate incentives, including cash, were used to encourage donation. Recent reforms have increased confidence in donation and transfusion safety although concerns persist about misuse. There is a need to reduce unnecessary use of blood and its products.

Conclusion China still relies heavily on blood supplies obtained through quota, purchase or use of incentives. There is scope to expand voluntary donation further. However, as a priority it will be necessary to reduce overuse.

Keywords: transfusion, health beliefs, China


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