Blood Supply Safety

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Lauren Williams
School: Mattawan High School

Argentina finds a great importance in a need for higher blood supply safety worldwide. The country has experienced problems with providing safe screenings for blood donors in the past. The problem is generally found with the situation that each state within Argentina has its own local authorities that make health care decisions, such as choices on different screening procedures.

A problem that Argentina has found is the lack of credibility in its donors. A minority of donors are voluntary. Most donors that come in are doing it under the incentive of getting paid for their actions, which causes cases of discrepancy in the truth of the donors past affairs. Argentina’s population has 400,000 active cases of HIV which can cause uncertainty in applying donors as well.

Blood donor HIV antibody detection has been mandatory in Argentina since 1991, and p24 antigen screening was recommended in 1997; so, improvements have been being made. This screening showed a general improvement in detecting not only HIV infected donors but also blood-transmissible viruses. The World Health Organization even stated that starting in1995 only 84.5% of blood donors, in Argentina, were screened for the possibility of HIV, but in 2001, 100% of blood donors were screened. These records also show that in 1995 only 69.9% od donors were screened for HCV and in 2001, 98.3% were tested. This sets Argentina up as a model for other developing countries involved with blood donor screening.

Argentina hopes to work with other Latin American nations, such as Brazil, to develop a resolution that could suit their region well, knowing the similarities all of these countries have in common revolving around blood supply safety. Argentina is open to any productive ideas that can help the problem, such as ones of more developed countries, such as America. Argentina understands the importance of blood supply safety in order to stop the spread of blood-transmissible diseases, and hopes to see the committee come up with a successful resolution that can incorporate developed countries assisting other undeveloped countries to superior safety procedures.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Belarus
Delegate Name: Kristen Ellefson
School: Mattawan High School

Blood supply safety is a very important issue within the nation of Ukraine. It is currently am issue to keep the supply safe, due to a number of blood related illnesses.

In Ukraine, blood transfusions are an important aspect of the national welfare of health. These transfusions are used in Ukraine mainly for patients who are new mothers and their newborn children. These patients usually require the transfusions in the cases of complications during child birth and complications during pregnancies. These are the cases that usually are brought up when dealing with the issues of blood supply. Blood transfusions are also used in other special patient cases in the Kiev hospitals.

Ukraine is presently striving to improve the healthcare systems, and in return, that will help to improve the storage of blood supply. This is of great importance, seeing as most of the transfusion patients are newborn children and mothers in the Kiev hospital. Without safe supply of blood, these people could catch harmful blood diseases which will cause a great problem in the nation's overall health.

We, as a nation, are looking for a resolution of safe blood supply. We would like the minimize the overall number of blood related illnesses in the nation as well as internationally. We are looking for a way to keep the blood donations of others safely stowed away, so no unwanted diseases could have the possibility of contaminating it. We are willing to make resolutions with any country or nation that may share this same view of blood supply safety.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Kate Kelley
School: Royal Oak High School

Ensuring ample, equal access to blood for those in need in both the developed and developing world is a major challenge. Recent advances in stem cell and biotechnology offer the potential for donor-less, disease free blood in the future. However success is not guaranteed, cost of research is high, and decades might pass before mass production and distribution become viable. A less expensive solution, which can be applied faster, is vital for the preservation of human life.

Of course, the best way to protect blood supplies is to educate the public about preventing diseases like HIV and AIDS, which render blood donations dangerous. Brazil has enjoyed widespread success on this front, with public education and acceptance of these diseases at an all time high. Similar efforts at education must be put into place in all nations, thus increasing the number of potential donors.

A number of factors contribute to the shortage of blood, but chief among them is lack of motivation for donors, especially in the developing world. While more developed nations may be able to offer incentives like a day off work or public recognition, more tangible motivation is essential for success in places where work is hard to find, money hard to come by, and both food and water sources compromised by pollution, overuse, and disease. By reshaping the blood donating process, nations can increase blood reserves and encourage economic development in impoverished areas.

In any resolution proposed by the committee, Brazil will look for innovative solutions, applicable in developed and developing areas, backed by the Latin American and African nations with the greatest need, that avoid pushing governments and economies into debt or the command of infrastructure greater than the capabilities these nations posses.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: China
Delegate Name: Lauren Niswonger
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Due to the spread of blood-borne illnesses, many parts of the world face not only a shortage of blood, but also blood contamination due to lack of financial resources necessary for the treatment and testing of donated blood. Because of this lack of resources, the global blood supply is in danger of being the cause of the spread of diseases such as malaria, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, syphilis, and many more. According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2007 Survey, out of 162 nations, 41 nations "were not able to screen all blood donations for one or more of the following transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs)–HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis."

China would like to discuss the establishment of national policy for each country concerning the screening of blood donations for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis. This would also require the regulation of the testing to ensure that clinics and hospitals have adequate resources to screen the donations properly.

This problem has a seemingly simple solution, the WHO would help all nations to establish a national policy for safe blood banks, requiring that all donations be screened for contamination of diseases transfusion-transmittable diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and others. The nations would be required to regulate these policies and ensure that all hospitals and clinics are equipped with the tools and supplies they require to keep the blood supply healthy and safe. All screening tests should be performed to the highest quality and systems should be put in place to ensure the confidentiality of these tests.

Representatives from South Africa, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ghana, Oman, the United States, India, Zimbabwe, Bhutan, Iran, Thailand, Canada, Brazil, Ecuador, Japan, Congo, Finland, Mali, Honduras, Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Egypt have together compiled a document titled __Screening Donated Blood For Transfusion-Transmissible Diseases__ that outlines the regulations recommended.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Denmark
Delegate Name: Garrett Pierman
School: Mattawan High School

Denmark recognizes that bloody safety is an issue of great concern today, especially in relation to HIV transmission. While Denmark has an extremely low prevalence of HIV/AIDS, it is recognized as a major issue, as it pertains to the safety of the blood supply, therefore requiring careful consideration and action. Denmark, along with its EU allies, hope to secure for the world a safe blood supply.With that in mind, Denmark can make several recommendations:

Firstly, Denmark encourages all member nations of the WHO to provide compensation for those infected with blood-borne pathogens to provide for their healthcare needs. Denmark's healthcare is socialized, and we see this as a prime example of a case in which such a system flourishes; while monetary compensation will not reverse the adverse effects of a disease such as HIV, AIDS, or Hepatitis B and C, it can provide better healthcare to those who acquired those diseases through blood transfusion.

Also, Denmark strongly recommends that individual nations develop and implement a policy pertaining to blood supply safety and regulation, including both whole-blood products as well as its derivatives. As part of this policy, Denmark implores nations to test, ideally all, blood for Transfusion Transferable Infections (TTI's). Another key component of this policy is the encouragement of blood donation, as many countries do not meet their own needs for blood, and blood self sufficiency has several advantages (which will be discussed later).

In accordance with the Status of Blood Safety in the WHO Africa Region ( ISBN 978 929 023 1318), Denmark also suggests that countries become self sufficient in blood production. This carries with it several advantages. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, blood, due to its perishable nature, cannot easily, or cost-justifiably, be shipped over long distances. As such, much blood arrives in remote locations in an unusable state, a true shame. Also, self sufficiency, combined with a testing/regulation policy ensures the greater safety of the blood supply as a whole. In many countries, the blood which carries TTI's comes from abroad, spreading diseases in a way which is wholly preventable by self sufficiency, especially in countries such as Denmark, with low rates of TTI's.

Denmark realizes that total screening of all of the blood which is donated within a country is highly expensive, so Denmark would gladly support any resolution to assist those nations which would require funding to screen more effectively. While the cost per disease prevented will be high, it's well worth it, as the safety of the blood supply is of great importance to the quality of life of everyone, everywhere.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Stacey Mulka
School: Roeper School

Egypt understands the importance of its nation’s healthcare system especially the supply of safe donor blood. The government has made many attempts to help the Egyptian blood donor shortage such as launching new programs for blood infection control in Egyptians blood banks. From 1997-2006, Egypt has reconstructed its blood transfusion services by renovating buildings to be used as testing centers and blood banks, purchasing new IT and laboratory equipment, and creating a training program for staff of the National Blood Transfusion Service. Egypt’s other objectives include collecting blood from non-risk donors and screening all blood for diseases.

Although Egypt has a population of 80 million, there has been a dramatic decrease in blood donations. Some citizens are unable to donate blood because of malnutrition which has become a more common problem in Egypt. Other citizens refuse to donate because of past scrutiny of a local blood transfusion company which was accused of providing Egypt’s Ministry of Health with defective blood. Hepatitis C has proved to be another obstacle in Egypt’s goal to collect safe and eligible blood. With a large number of Egypt’s population infected with hepatitis C, it is important that we collect safe donor blood for these people that need blood transfusions. Currently there have been reports of high hepatitis C levels in our blood supply. The Ministry of Health believes these numbers to be misleading. Egypt continues to urge its citizens to donate blood. Currently local centers send out 70 trucks each day to collect blood but come back with 30% less blood than needed.

Egypt is working hard to follow WHO regulations by reconstructing our nation’s blood transfusion centers and making sure that people who need blood are able to have access to it. Egypt continues to work on its national blood shortage problem and encourage its eligible citizens to donate.

As a member of the WHO, Egypt strongly urges all nations, both developed and less developed, to work together to define and implement improved methods for blood supply safety. Egypt’s experiences point to the difficulties that developing nations face. Egypt welcomes the opportunity to work with all nations in resolutions to improve world health measures regarding blood supply safety, and in further measures to provide aid to needy nations to implement these measures.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: France
Delegate Name: Brendan Burgess
School: Saline High School

France has taken many precautions to ensure that it has a safe blood supply. How safe a blood supply is can be measured by the amount of people who get a transmitted disease from receiving blood. In France that number is extremely low. To ensure that its blood supply is safe, the blood supply is regularly tested after it is received by the organization that collects the blood. All most all blood is collected by a civilian agency , the EFS, which is required to follow set rules that are laid out by the French Government as part of the EU. These laws are designed to ensure that the supply of blood for transfusions are as safe as possible with a special emphasis on the prevention of HIV. A commission that was recently funded by the EFS found that 52% of people in France have donated there blood at some point in their life, yet there still is a very low infections rates. Men who are homosexual are banned from donating blood because of the 17% HIV infection rate in that community, versus the 0.2% infection rates among heterosexual men. If directions about blood donation are correctly followed then there is a very low chance of HIV even ending up in supply, and that is even before the blood is tested. All blood is also checked for Hep C and B as well as syphilis. The exact approach and tests are often changed to better prevent the contraction of these diseases and others.

However, France recognizes the need to create a safe blood supply in developing worlds as well as protecting already safe supplies. Therefore, France is open to any reasonable and original ideas to deal with this emerging issue.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Ashley Smith
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

The Federal Republic of Germany recognizes the need for an adequate, accessible and safe blood supply. In several countries throughout the world, pregnant women, children, the poor, and trauma victims, in particular, are dying from inadequate blood supplies and blood products. In addition, others have been infected with HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis during blood transfusions.

Since the Germany HIV/AIDS scandal in the 1980s, the Federal Health Office in Germany has taken the necessary precautions to make sure that donor blood is now safe to use in transfusions for the needed patients and the donors are screened for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis prior to blood-use. Since the German Transfusion Law in 1999, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut has been collecting data annually to determine the “degree of self-sufficiency” and "consumption rate" of the German blood supply. Since 2000, the consumption figures of blood have been well below the manufacture figures indicating the sufficient supply of blood for the population.

Germany encourages nations to have their own established and regimented blood supply that can provide safe and ample blood in the necessary time for patients when required. In addition, Germany recommends the testing of all donated blood for compatibility, blood groups, as well as transfusion-transmissible infections. Furthermore, Germany implores the appropriate clinical use of blood and safe transfusion practices. Germany advises countries to collect blood from unpaid, volunteers as well as the production of blood components to help maximize the use of the donated blood.

Thoughtfully submitted,

Germany

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Ghana
Delegate Name: Issac Ross
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

AIDs, HIV, malaria, measles, and typhoid are dangerous and very common in many African countries and so, it is crucial that the blood donated by non-governmental aid organizations (NGOs) such as the Red Cross, Red Crescent, Safe Blood Ghana Foundation and many other donation centers throughout Africa and the world is stored safely and is screened to stop the spread of deadly diseases. Furthermore, many citizens and workers at donation centers are undereducated in disease control, personal hygiene, and the safe storage of blood. A very cheap and very basic refrigeration system costs nearly $9000 U.S. dollars per unit. Taking into account that multiple, high-tech, units needed to safely store blood would cost anywhere between $45,000 U.S. dollars all the way to $100,000 U.S. dollars, proposing the problem that many developing countries may not be able to afford such products.

The first case of HIV was reported in Ghana in 1986 and Ghana was able to control the slow incline of the disease until about 2003. Currently Ghana has been able to keep the severity of the disease down and helps stop the spread of it through NGOs such as Safe Blood Ghana Foundation (SBGF), which helps educate volunteers and the staff running the donation centers. Also the SBGF has created bonds with multiple other NGOs. They SBGF also supports the Red Cross and the United Nations in blood safety and awareness of disease. The Red Cross regulations cause them to screen all incoming blood donations, Ghana also tries to screen all incoming blood donations from volunteers ensuring blood safety. The United Nations should create strict rules and regulations of safety for each blood sample such as undergoing tests or screenings by trained professionals, obtaining background from donors on past diseases, and ensuring the patient or volunteer is safe. Also, every donation center should be cooperating, by sharing information and backing up safety regulations, with either the Red Cross, Red Crescent, or United Nations to ensure maximum safety. Also, the United Nations, working with NGOs should help supply the money needed to purchase safe refrigeration units to countries that need them through donations and aid.

Nearly every country in the United Nations would agree with these standards, the standards would be set in place to ensure safety of both the volunteers, and the patients receiving blood transfusions through donations from greater economically advanced countries and NGOs.

The countries that would most likely oppose these suggestions would be those who do not want interference from the United Nations or from the Red Cross or Red Crescent organizations. The countries that wish to do things on their own and do not want to deal with any interference.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Italy
Delegate Name: Kyle Callaghan
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

The safety of a nation’s blood supply is determined in this case by the likelihood of one contracting disease upon receiving a blood transfusion under medical care in that particular country. Italy is very active in encouraging their citizens to give blood; most businesses will give their workers an entire day off just for blood donations. Considering this and Italy's first world status, one could easily assume they have a relatively safe blood supply. This is indeed correct.

According to a study of 1,079,281 repeat blood donors in Italy, the risk of developing a transfusion-transmitted infection (TTI) is very low, particularly human immunodeficiency virus. HIV risk has been low for quite some time thanks to innovations such as the COBAS AmpliScreen HIV-1 v1.5 Test, but it is only since 2001 that the risks have decreased for hepatitis B and hepatitis C (HBV and HBC, respectively), due mainly to the introduction of mandatory viral detection tests for HCV and recent nucleic acid testing for HBV.

But despite fairly successful reduction attempts for HIV, HBV, and HCV, the three big ones, the blood supply may not be safe for long. West Nile Virus (WNV) made its way to Italy in 2008, becoming a threat to the nation’s incoming blood supply and the management of the national blood system. Steps have been taken to control and contain WNV, but their effectiveness is not yet measurable.

In 2001, Italy’s Ministry of Health repealed a law that banned blood donation from homosexuals, which may have slightly altered the success of the HBV nucleic acid testing.

Due to Italy's moderate success in achieving healthy a blood supply, Italy proposes the global standardization of mandatory viral detection tests, as well as a UN World Blood Bank that nations can each use. In order to keep this supply from being hogged by a few nations, supply will be divided among nations in allotments corresponding to population.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Lebanon
Delegate Name: Kelsey Paulus
School: Forest Hills Eastern High School

The topic of blood supply safety is a high priority for Lebanon. That is why we are so aware of the growing situation in the world today. In 2000 the president of the general assembly, Theo-Ben Gurirab, found this matter to be so important that he made it the central topic of world health day. Lebanon has a complex system that allows any person who is in need of any kind of blood transfusion to be able to receive it in a secure location called the Lebanese Red Cross. The Lebanese Red Cross is equipped with the most sophisticated medical devices to check the safety of each donor’s blood. The Director- General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, stated that "despite all the technological marvels that humanity is experiencing, reliable and safe blood supply is still out of the reach for untold millions of people around the world. This situation is unacceptable, and it must change.” He said this because, most of the developed countries in the world are in a stage of electronic boom, but most developing countries are the same as they were 50 years ago.

Some of the reasons our scientists scan the blood is to determine what kind of blood it is, to make sure there is no cases of Hepatitis B or C, and to be positive that there are no HIV (AIDS) viruses- syphilis that would make the blood unusable. To make sure Lebanon doesn’t have any discrepancies with any part of the United Nations we adopt the safety and security standards decided by the World Health Organization. A sample of the donated blood is then kept for over six months to prevent any misinterpretations about the safety of the area in which the blood was donated. It is very safe and beneficial to give blood, especially in a time of hardship or war when many people could potentially be saved from a blood transfusion. The United Nations has done a lot in regards to the safety and security of the blood supply however, more needs to be done. Lebanon proposes we make a campaign with well informed workers of the common misconceptions about giving blood ( Ex. affects the reproductive system, helps gains weight, weakens the donor’s blood, can cause the donor to contract a disease.) With all the misconception taken care of, hopefully more people would be willing to give blood, and more people would be willing to receive blood. It would not be a complete new initiative for the United Nations because they already have several services going to countries and getting donor’s blood through this program however, the new program would call for the workers to inform all of the people why they should give blood and how it is in no way harmful to themselves. Not only would these people need to go to inform these communities about blood and answer any questions they have they would also need to go to keep the blood supply fresh and healthy so that the blood is in its prime to transfuse back into the body. This would be a difficult task to perform due to the fact that not all countries are equipped with electricity; however, the UN workers would need to bring generators and back up generators to try an accommodate for that.

All countries should be willing to help with this great program, especially smaller developing countries. They could benefit the most from this program.

Some countries who might not be as willing to participate in this program are larger countries who think they do not have as big of a problem with blood supply safety as they do.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Malaysia
Delegate Name: Alex Clegg
School: Forest Hills Northern High School

The safety of a nation’s blood supply is extremely important in reducing the spread of disease and the overall welfare of patients after a blood transfusion. Malaysia encourages voluntary and non-renumerated blood donation, however, donors are not paid. The Malaysian government instead offer benefits such as free hepatitis B vaccinations and ward stays for its blood donors.

In recent years, diseases in blood such as HIV have become increasingly prevalent, changing from below 0.1% prevalency in 1990 to 0.5% prevalency in 2010 (Adult population prevalency ages 15-49). This somewhat indicates that the blood supply is not completely clean. Also, in recent history, the blood supply has been relatively low at times which could’ve resulted in less stringent blood screening guidelines. In recent history however, the world’s blood supply has become much more dependable and much cleaner.

At this time, HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are all on the rise and the government is trying to fight away these three main blood transferable diseases. Malaysia is commiting itself to try and prevent the spread of these diseases and reduce the disease altogether in its National Strategic Plan by the end of 2010. However, stopping the spread of these diseases was already very difficult before the world financial crisis and these diseases are spreading at a very alarming rate.

Malaysia hopes to reduce the number of cases of HIV to 15 per 100,000 people screened by 2015. Malaysia also hopes to better protect the at-risk groups which consist of homosexuals and transgender individuals.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Mexico
Delegate Name: Kristen Wrona
School: West Ottawa High School

While the country of Mexico belongs to organizations such as WHO, that are currently trying to ensure the safety of the blood supply, it is not enough. There could be a number of problems associated with the growing issues of with blood supply. People generally know the risks of receiving blood, and though they're handed a piece of paper with the risks of receiving a blood transfusion, that may not always be enough. In some cases the positive may out way the negative (example being, patient bleeding to death, they need the blood) but that patient may be at risk for Hepatitis B and C, or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Though the risks are rare, that doesn't ensure that many people off the street are going to know that they can get one of those diseases. Often times it's not that a patient isn't informed, it's simply that they need the blood. In a life or death situation, when receiving a blood transfusion is necessary, most people are going to choose the transfusion. A general system could be suggested, that countries could take to adopting in their healthcare systems. This system would suggest that with every patient that comes into the hospital or to a medical office, they have the opportunity to donate blood. More employees would of course be needed, and the process would take time, but it's an action, a change. It's been proven with the outbreak of diseases like Hepatitis C, that accidents can occur and sometimes, it takes time for problems to arise. With more blood donated, and time for it to be filtered through, less mistakes would be made, and more lives could be saved. The country of Mexico’s urges for education and a suggestion for new health care ideas to be merged into existent programs in effort to maintain and improve the quality of blood that is stored and will be stored in the future.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Morocco
Delegate Name: Ashley Jordan
School: Mattawan High School

The Kingdom of Morocco recognizes the great importance of having a safe, plentiful blood bank on both a national and international level. Blood donations within the country went up by 8.6 from 2007 to 2008 and continue to increase. Morocco also recognizes the risks and tribulations attributed to collecting and transfusing a mass amount of donor blood. CNTS, or the National Center of Blood Transfusion launches a yearly campaign with varying focuses. This organization seeks to promote a more safe and sufficient blood supply distribution system.

Among many structural problems that WHO and all organizations who advocated blood supply safety is the lack of universal test standards. Transfusion transmitted infections are the leading safety hazard associated with the procedure and international standards are not enforced and integrated. According to WHO reports, in 2006, 45% percent of countries didn't to the basic test recommended for all blood donations. Another similar issue that needs to be addressed is the screening of donors. International standards vary in that some countries have harsh restrictions relating to the citizens that they allow to donate blood, while many others have little to none. By readdressing the process of donor screening, transfusion transmitted infections will become less apparent.

Morocco would like to see an increase in effort among all countries in finding a safer way to collect blood donations, thus avoiding transfusion transmitted diseases. We have implemented many safety protocols and worked with NGO's within our country to monitor these transactions and has seen it to be a successful change. Morocco believes that in order to combat this issue, organizations must be established to control, monitor the safety of, and be accountable for the blood supply and the problems that accompany it.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Amelia Wittig
School: Saline High School

Pakistan notably recognizes that when it comes to blood transfusion safety, there are always areas that can be improved upon and that they have a long way to go for their program to be satisfactory. Pakistan’s main obstacles in this endeavor include first and foremost the need for adequate donation of blood. Most of the blood banks in Pakistan are run by private sectors, but even these struggle with proper storage and transportation of the blood. The government of Pakistan has recognized the need for proper recruitment and record keeping in both private and public sectors. Currently, 90% of the donations are for specific individuals and were donated by relatives. In addition to this, they recognize the need for proper screening and have been providing screening kits for HIV and Hepatitis B since 1995 and began kits for Hepatitis C in 2003. In their National Blood Policy & Framework for 2008-2012, Pakistan has set goals to provide the most up to date screening technology across all parts of the country. In addition to this they set goals to establish proper storage facilities and transportation methods, which are outlined in the Framework.

Pakistan would like to see new technology implemented for minimum risk, as well as the establishment of proper storage and screening. Pakistan has also set to rationalize the use of blood component therapy to it’s fullest potential. In addition to setting these regulations for themselves, Pakistan launched the National Blood Transfusion Project with the German Government. This is aimed at supplying safe blood for the entire population, especially the more vulnerable sections of their people.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Rachel Martin
School: Northville High School

The Philippines hopes to continue improving the safety of their blood supply as they have been working to do up until now. In the interest of public health, other nations can aim for a similar goal. Any country that has a problem with their blood supply can make efforts to improve screening for pathogens and methods of collection. Many developing countries may find it beneficial to move towards 100% voluntary, unpaid donors. These donors are more likely to lead healthy lifestyles and less likely to have some of the diseases that pose a major concern in the blood supply. In the past, WHO has passed guidelines recommending that blood donations be screened, at a minimum, for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. If all countries can follow these and adequately screen for the most common issues, the world's blood supply would become much safer. A common issue in developing nations is a lack of availability of blood transfusions for rural areas. Nationally organized systems of blood donation and distribution are a way to assist rural places and improve health care for the part of a population living in poverty. To help improve the availability of blood transfusions and their safety, the Philippines, along with several other nations, received a grant from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (GFATM). The Philippines appreciates the support WHO provided for us to be given this grant. The Philippines will continue to use the money given to us to improve our blood supply and distribution. There is a relatively low instance of HIV infection in the Philippines (below 0.1%) and we hope to keep things that way. The four grants given for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS amount to $23,977,043, and the use of the majority of those has been rated as meeting or exceeding expectations by GFATM. One goal we have been working to achieve is to receive all blood donations from voluntary, unpaid donors. In the past few years, the Philippines has gotten ever closer to that goal, but we have not quite achieved it yet. With the continued support of WHO and GFATM, the blood supply of the Philippines can become as safe as feasibly possible. Methods used in the Philippines can also be applied to the situation in other countries. The Philippines believes that the committee should encourage adherence to established WHO guidelines and voluntary blood donation in all member nations.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Allie Cobb
School: Williamston High School

The safety of a nation’s blood supply is obviously an extremely important issue. This is a concept that South Africa, and many of its neighbors have learned all too well with the current AIDs epidemic. The safety of blood supply is vital to keeping a nation healthy and keeping disease rates down, therefore South Africa advocates for bloody supply safety, and has found some success locally by implementing policy. South Africa supports any other nation that would undertake similar projects.

In South Africa, the South African National Blood Service is responsible for collecting blood used in transfusions, and has suceeded in making this blood among the safest in Africa. The guidelines set forth are in accordance with the recommendations to the World Health Organization. South Africa acknowledges the benefits of these recommendations.

South Africa has found that screening potential donors for HIV 1 and 2, Hepatitis B, Syphilis, and Hepatitis C are very effective in promoting the safety of the blood supply.

South Africa has found that by closing blood clinics in areas with a high prevelance of HIV, they can stop the spread of blood tainted with the HIV virus. The South African National Blood Service collects nearly 700,000 units of blood each year. They estimate that 5-10% of HIV and AIDS cases in South Africa are aquired through infected blood transfusions.

South Africa has recently inplemented new donor safety interviews, and have closed donation centers in areas with high disease prevelance. While using these two techniques and by educationg donors, South Africa is reducing the rate of infection.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: South Korea
Delegate Name: Apoorv Singh
School: Forest Hills Central High School

Blood donations and transfusions save so many lives every day. But still millions of people die waiting for a transfusion. Developing countries, which are eighty percent of the world population, only get about forty five percent of the global blood supply. It is our duty as members of the UN to increase the amount of global blood available so these people at least have a chance to live. An article on the Lancet said that on World Donor Day in 2007 of hundred and seventy two countries responded, 80 of them failed to get less than 1 percent of their population donating. It also stated that from 5 to 10 percent of HIV infections happen from people having contaminated blood transfused into them.

The Republic of Korea fully supports unpaid voluntary blood donation has do its citizens. A survey in 2008 found that half the people voluntarily donating blood were under the age of 25. The Republic of Korea would also like more facilities being built in developing countries where the country can safely house, screen, and give blood to its people. Also the Republic of Korea thinks we should send more people to help train the locals for doing these procedures so that the country won’t be so dependent on others. We realize this would cost a lot of money but we should create more days and things like World Donor Day.

The Republic of Korea thinks orchestrating this would be easy with the help and contribution from other nations. Others could help by building blood banks and screening rooms to help reduce the amount of infecting blood. Also increasing support for voluntary donations in their country by holding donations and rallies

There already some standing with us. The survey from 2007 showed that the countries of Botswana, Jordan, and Zimbabwe also had half of the people who donated blood was under the age of 25. In May 2005 172 countries in the 58th session of the World Health Assembly adopted resolution WHA58.13 to make World Blood Donor Day an annual event that is to happen every June 14th.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Turkey
Delegate Name: Duncan Burns
School: Roeper School

The Republic of Turkey feels that there is great potential for a national blood banking system but is wary of the hazards involved in the transporting, screening, and collecting on such a large scale. Securing voluntary donors is difficult even on a small scale. Turkey has managed to bolster its number of donors by offering incentives but still finds itself with a shortage of willing and clean donors. Therein lays another issue: how can we regulate screening to assure the blood donated is safe for transfusion?

The new blood law of the Republic of Turkey (Law on Blood and Blood Products, No: 5624, OJ No: 26510, 02.05.2007) published in May 2007 describes a centralized system composed of local donation centers where the blood would be collected and sent to larger regional centers where it could then be shipped to transfusion sites in hospitals. Turkey is in the process of transitioning to this system with 394 blood banks run by the Turkish Red Crescent and the Turkish Ministry of Health. Turkey feels this system could be adapted as global model, but only if the participating nations would have a functioning system in place.

As a result, establishment of local systems within each nation should be the focus of any resolution hoping to succeed. There is no question that the establishing of clean and effective blood banks and donations centers within countries must occur before moving to any kind of national or multinational blood bank. Turkey is willing to work on this basis to help build a resolution that can successfully achieve these goals.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Ukraine
Delegate Name: Connor Estabrook
School: Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy

Blood transfusions are often necessary after traumatic surgeries, usually those where the life of the subject is in jeopardy. How is it fair and just to give such a person a slow, painful death just for trying to stay alive?

This is a question that Ukraine feels very strongly about. With the high outbreaks of HIV that have struck us, Ukraine believes that the supply of blood needs to be secure, safe, and disease-free. In Ukraine, we highly encourage the donation of blood, offering various incentives and compensation, such as time off from governmental and military service. However, we also find it necessary to screen avaliable donors, making sure that their blood is uncontaminated and free of any harmful pathogens. Compresensive safeguards and security checks are in place to ensure the sanctity of donated blood.

Ukraine also seeks cooporation in their quest from the United Nations and the rest of the world. In times of crisis or emergency, blood can be sent from one nation to another, with the potential to poison or kill them if the same rigorous protocals are not applied in the giving nation. Ukraine is in favor of any proposals or resolutions that encourage nations to put more thought and time into improving the quality of the literal lifeblood of their people. If this is unreasonable, we would at least like to see the United Nations control which countries are sending blood to others, and stop any problems before they can cause harm to other nations.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: United Kingdom
Delegate Name: Laris Davenport
School: Williamston High School

Maintaining a blood supply is very important regarding the future health of the people of our globe. By keeping a clean supply of blood to distribute to the people increases what we can do with medical aid as well as reduces the spread of disease. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a particular contamination threat that can be spread through the blood, in addition to diseases like Hepatitis C and AIDS, also including diseases that have been more recently recongnized like West Nile Virus and Chagas.

The United Kingdom is taking measures to ensure that there is not only a substantial blood supply, but that it is safe for global use in the population. In the event of a pandemic or the like, these supplies are imperative to overcoming any disease we might face. The United Kingdom takes many measures to avoid and minimize toxins in their blood supply. This nation is looking to find new innovative ways to minimize contaminants in blood supplies.

Maintaining a blood supply is very important regarding the future health of the people of our globe. By keeping a clean supply of blood to distribute to the people increases what we can do with medical aid as well as reduces the spread of disease. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a particular contamination threat that can be spread through the blood, in addition to diseases like Hepatitis C and AIDS, also including diseases that have been more recently recongnized like West Nile Virus and Chagas.

The United Kingdom is taking measures to ensure that there is not only a substantial blood supply, but that it is safe for global use in the population. In the event of a pandemic or the like, these supplies are imperative to overcoming any disease we might face. The United Kingdom takes many measures to avoid and minimize toxins in their blood supply. This nation is looking to find new innovative ways to minimize contaminants in blood supplies.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: United States
Delegate Name: Thomas Mehall
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The United States of America recognizes that it has one of the safest blood supplies in the world and the risk of developing a disease from a blood transfusion is extremely low. The United States and other developed countries have created safe methods of transferring blood and the processes associated with blood transfusion. However this is not the case in all of the countries throughout the world. Medical procedures throughout the world are increasing in number, which is a good thing for the health of the people of the world. However there is not a large enough supply of safe blood to keep up with all of the medical procedures. With a safe blood supply available for all medical procedures, it could greatly reduce the number of AIDS/HIV infections that occur throughout the world. The United States knows that the UN has been increasing their efforts to keep the blood supply clean but further urges it to continue on its task to eliminate infectious and deadly diseases.

The United States encourages other fellow countries, both developed and currently developing, to make creating a safe blood supply within their country and others a top priority. If the safe blood supply within the world can be increased then it could greatly decrease numerous other issues that plague certain countries. The United States implores the UN to offer aid to other countries in order to jump start their safe blood supply program. Not all countries may have the structure or money to build substantial amount of safe blood within their country. If the UN can offer aid and incentives to those certain countries, then it can greatly improve the health of the world.

All existing countries are potentially open to infection from dirty blood supplies so it is common sense to make sure each nation can eventually be self dependant or be able to receive a constant flow of safe blood to supply their people with. Infectious diseases know no boundaries so no country is safe from their people being infected with a deadly disease transported through blood. Citizens of a neighboring country can spread a disease to another country near them and it could spread rapidly.

For a country to not want a clean blood supply within their own country or other countries of the world would be perplexing. A safe blood supply can only result in good for the entire world and the effort for a completely clean supply of blood within the world needs to be an international effort.

Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Venezuela
Delegate Name: Gina Saab
School: Royal Oak High School

Venezuela recognizes the urgency of the blood supply issue, as well as complications with blood transfusion regarding disease. Likewise, the demand for blood caused by its necessary function in treating injuries, performing surgeries, and also treating several diseases emphasizes the urgency of the issue and the blood deficit’s significance. With the epidemic of underdevelopment and the resulting deficit established, there are fundamental links in remedying the blood supply issue:

a) Funds

b) Supplies

c) Education/Training

d) Collecting Blood Safely and Effectively

e) Repayment as an incentive

Let us first begin with part b) supplies. The reasoning behind this will be later understood. Before any individual or institution is able to take action to help countries in need, there must be materials with which to help them. Besides, facilities must be utilized for the purpose of receiving and testing blood donations, or facilities must be created. These facilities need not be luxurious in the slightest, as long as proper sanitation methods are adhered to. Now there is an evident need for sanitation supplies: soap, water, antibacterial cleaners. Tools for receiving and storing blood must also be obtained. Finally, equipment to test blood for “purity” is necessary for safety.

Now the question arises, “Who will be using these tools?” Part c) Education and training begins the breakdown between a short and long term solution: initially, (that is, for the short term) United Nations representatives will operate blood bank facilities. However, the long term solution begins within the short term: locals will become “interns” in the facilities, learning and working alongside the United Nations to learn the proper techniques for receiving, testing, and storing blood, as well as keeping records. Natives will have the incentive of a long term job working as a part of the long term solution for an annual salary for a long time. That is an appealing offer.

Now that there are people to do work and supplies for doing so, the next question is, “How will the work be done?” First, we need blood, and then we need a safe method of obtaining it. A good incentive to give blood is money. A pecuniary incentive not only encourages donors—it spurs the economy because it puts money in citizens’ pockets. Now we wonder, “Will people who should definitely not be giving blood suddenly try to become donors because of the financial incentive?” The answer is yes, they will. However, there will be a system in place to stop them in their dangerous tracks. When a person gives blood he/she will first fill out a questionnaire regarding his/her medical history, or otherwise complete one orally if the person is illiterate. If the person claims to be eligible, samples of the blood collected will be tested before the person is paid and the blood used. The supplies we will have for testing will come into play. The blood must be tested for diseases such as West Nile or Hepatitis B or C; depending upon the region, the screening of certain diseases will be stressed over that of others less common.

The most important question now arises, “How are we to fund all of these wonderful initiatives and goals?” First, an important relationship needs to be established: health and money versus sickness and debt. When a person is healthy, that person becomes an able body in a nation’s workforce. Therefore, the monetary value of an individual within a nation is equivalent to his/her annual salary. Likewise, if a person is sickly, he/she is consuming the resources of a nation without returning any value. Thus, health yields wealth and the consequence of sickness is increased debt. For this reason, Venezuela has a socialized health-care system: our people are an economic resource, and consequently we make our investment through this system. Part a) Funds is essentially the money that initially funds the project which will be received by institutions that are willing to make an investment in a nation’s health. The amount of money each nation has available to utilize for the blood supply issue’s resolution is equivalent to the equation M=pd, where M is the available money, p is the number of people currently sick and not working (who will be helped by this healthcare improvement), and d is the amount of money each individual would earn per year on average. This equation is derived from the fact that after blood supplies increase, the economy of the nation will gain d dollars for each person who is made able to work and produce. Institutions who lend money to nations in need will be repaid, for example, $1.25 for every $1 they loan. This is the incentive for businesses. Thus, we have moved on to part e) Repayment. The money to repay the institutions who will have lent the money will be available because the nations workforce has increased as a result of better health.

The solution is full circle and it funds itself. We can all agree on the fundamental components: this is the “how.”