Topic: Blood Supply Safety
Country: Denmark
Delegate Name: Garrett Pierman
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Denmark position papers GLIMUN 2010 committees
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.
