Academy
Strengthening safe blood collection practices in Southern Tanzania: A capacity-building initiative in Lindi and Mtwara Regions
Baraka Thomas Kandonga
National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) – Southern Zone Mtwara, Tanzania
Safe blood collection and transfusion practices are critical components of effective healthcare systems. In Tanzania, the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) continues to strengthen these services through targeted capacity-building initiatives.
With financial support from the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT), and with additional fi-nancial contributions from the local government authorities (councils) in the Lindi region, a five-day training program was successfully conducted from 13th to 17th April 2026 in Lindi Region.
Event opening
Objectives and expectations of training
Partipants taking a pre-training test
Training Overview The training took place in Lindi Municipal and brought together 50 healthcare professionals from various health facilities across the two regions. Participants included laboratory personnel, nurses, clinicians, and social welfare officers, all of whom play vital roles in blood collection and transfusion services.
The training was facilitated by a multidisciplinary team of experts from the Southern Zone Blood Transfusion Centre (Mtwara), including specialists in haematology, laboratory management and quality systems. The sessions combined theoretical knowledge with practical demonstrations, ensuring participants gained both conceptual understanding and hands-on experience.
Objectives of the Training The program was designed around three main learning objectives: 1. To improve the safety and quality of blood collection practices across health facilities by enhancing technical competencies and adherence to national and international standards. 2. To strengthen infection prevention and donor care, ensuring safe practices that protect both donors and recipients while promoting donor retention. 3. To build local capacity for continuous quality improvement, enabling LGAs to implement sustainable, data-driven improvements aligned with global standards.
Quality in BTS
Mobilizing successful donor mobilization
Training Content and Approach
The five-day training program followed a structured schedule covering key aspects of blood transfusion services. The initial sessions focused on an overview of NBTS operations, blood safety guidelines, and the importance of quality management systems. Participants were introduced to donor recruitment strategies, including effective communication, addressing myths and misconceptions, and donor retention techniques.
Subsequent sessions explored donor selection processes, including medical and risk assessment, critical control points, and the use of standard operating procedures (SOPs). Practical sessions allowed participants to simulate donor selection and counselling scenarios.
A significant portion of the training emphasized phlebotomy practices, infection prevention, and management of adverse donor reactions. Facilitators demonstrated correct techniques and guided participants through hands-on exercises. Cold chain management, quality management systems, and appropriate clinical use of blood and blood products were also covered, reinforcing the importance of maintaining blood safety throughout the transfusion chain.
On the fourth day, participants engaged in a full-day practical blood donation session, applying the knowledge and skills acquired. The final day (fifth day) included post-training evaluation, group presentations, and discussions on planning and logistics for mobile blood donation campaigns and finally certificates were awarded and closing remarks delivered.
Donor recruitment and registration
Donor counselling
Key Outcomes The training yielded several important outcomes:
- Improved knowledge and skills among participants in safe blood collection and transfusion practices.
- Enhanced understanding of national and international guidelines governing blood safety.
- Strengthened capacity in donor recruitment, counselling, and retention strategies.
- Increased competence in managing adverse donor reactions and ensuring donor safety.
- Improved ability to maintain cold chain systems and implement quality management frameworks.
Participants demonstrated significant improvement between pre-test and post-test assessments, indicating effective knowledge transfer.
Partipants taking a post training test
Participants conducting donor recruitment and a pre-donation talk
One of the participants demonstrating donor registration before the counselling process.
Jackson Banali demonstrating the process of checking
Guido Ntilla demonstrating a phlebotomy procedure and documenting important information on a blood bag.
Impact on Health Systems
This initiative contributes to strengthening the overall healthcare system in Southern Tanzania by improving the safety, quality, and availability of blood and blood products. By equipping frontline healthcare workers with the necessary skills and knowledge, the program supports better patient outcomes and reduces risks associated with unsafe transfusion practices.
Furthermore, the training fosters collaboration among healthcare professionals across different cadres and facilities, promoting a coordinated approach to blood service delivery.
Challenges and Lessons Learned While the training was successful, several lessons emerged:
- Continued mentorship and supportive supervision are essential to sustain the skills gained.
- Regular refresher training is needed to keep pace with evolving standards and practices.
- Strengthening logistics and infrastructure, particularly in rural facilities, remains a priority.
Conclusion
The capacity-building training conducted in Lindi represents a significant step toward improving blood safety in Tanzania. With continued support from partners such as ISBT, NBTS is well-positioned to expand similar initiatives across other regions.
Investing in human resource development remains a cornerstone of achieving safe and reliable blood transfusion services. The knowledge and skills gained from this training will contribute to long-term improvements in blood safety, ultimately enhancing patient care and saving lives.
Group discussions
