Academy
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Forum in Asia
Dootchai Chaiwanichsiri
National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society, Thailand
Shuichi Kino
Japanese Red Cross Society, Japan
Masahiro Satake
Japanese Red Cross Society, Japan
Pawinee Kupatawintu
Thai Red Cross Society, Thailand
On December 14th and 15th, 2023, the Japanese Red Cross Society and the Thai Red Cross Society co-hosted “The Red Cross and Red Crescent Forum on the Blood Program in Asia 2023” in Bangkok, Thailand. This forum brought together Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies and other stakeholders in the blood program from across Asia to discuss achievements, challenges and future prospects of their respective programs, making it the exclusive platform for such dialogue.
Derived from the essence of the previously held eight editions of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Symposium on Blood Programs in the Asian Region, this forum was organized under the theme "Towards Safer Blood Transfusion." It consisted of progress reports from participating countries and regions, thematic presentations, and invited lectures. A total of 87 countries and regions attended the Forum.
Progress Reports
Delegates from each country or region presented a frank report on their blood program, such as the progress they have made in recent years, the status quo, the challenges and the future plans. Notably, attention was drawn to the initiatives related to blood donor recruitment, adoption of new technologies, and improvements in quality management. Participants discussed not only the shared best practices for ensuring the sustainability and safety of blood supply but also their practical challenges. The presentations and discussions were expected to help the delegates better understand where their own program stands in the region and gain various ideas that can be brought back for their future development.
Dr.Kino Opens the Celemony
Mr.Tej gives a speech
Thematic Presentations
Thematic presentations covered topics such as easing of vCJD-related regulations, TTI prevention measures, issues on blood delivery, contribution of the blood service in public health, hemovigilance, red cell typing, stable supply of blood, and other latest challenges. These allowed the participants to deepen their knowledge of cutting-edge initiatives and innovative approaches in each field, sharing methods applicable to their practices.
Invited Lectures
Dr. Yuyun Siti Maryuningsih, WHO Team Lead for Blood and Other Products of Human Origin, gave a keynote lecture on the global perspective and the WHO strategies on the blood program. Furthermore, invited lectures on "Hemoglobin levels of older donors in Asia Pacific" and on "Early and timely transfusion of plasma and platelets for better outcomes of bleeding patients" were delivered by two renowned blood specialists, Dr. Yoke Lin Fung and Dr. Shigeki Miyata, respectively. Through the lectures, the participants gained both specialized knowledge and insights.
Summary and Future Outlook
The forum has provided a rare opportunity for experts and representatives in Asia to interact directly with each other in a social setting, fostering camaraderie among the individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds. The next forum is planned in three years building on the outcomes of this forum, and this regional network is expected to enhance mutual understanding and trust for future cooperation and information exchange, in order to achieve further evolution of the blood program in Asia.
Group photo: The Red Cross and Red Crescent Forum on the Blood Program in Asia 2023
