Blood transfusion is an essential part of modern health care. Used correctly, it can save lives and improve health. However, inappropriate and improper use of blood can lead to adverse reactions resulting in morbidity and even mortality. Safety of blood and blood products is of serious concern to countries, officials in charge of Blood Transfusion Services and prescribing clinicians. Apart from the well-known transfusion transmissible infections like HIV and hepatitis viruses, there are many emerging and re-emerging infections which are transmitted or could potentially be transmitted through blood transfusion. In keeping with the WHO recommendations, Mauritius is required to have an approved National Blood Policy and a strategic framework that will ensure an adequate supply of safe and effective blood products and related medical services that are used appropriately for the benefit of all patients in Mauritius.

In this context, Dr Jean Baptiste Tapko, WHO Consultant and expert on Blood and Blood products undertook a mission from 31^st July to 10^th August 2018 to review and finalize the National Blood Policy in Mauritius and support the country in developing a Strategic Framework for Action as well as finalize the Standards. The mission started with briefing meeting between Dr Hon Anwar Husnoo, Minister of Health and Quality of life,  Dr. Laurent Musango, WHO Representative in Mauritius and key policy makers at the Health Ministry.   During the meeting the objectives of the mission were discussed and orientation from the Minister was provided to the team working on National Blood policy.

A number of visits were undertaken by the consultant to Blood Bank at the SSRN and Dr A. J. hospitals and National Blood Transfusion Services located at Victoria Hospital, Candos. The activities also involved meeting key stakeholders such as key management of the regional hospitals and  National Blood Transfusion Services, representatives of the Blood  Donors Association and representatives of the Thalassemia and Haemophilia Associations to discuss key issues on blood donations for incorporation in the draft policy.   Discussion was also held with the Pharmacy Board on the issues related to regulating the blood and blood products in Mauritius.  Moreover, one day consultative workshop was held to finalize the Blood Policy with key officials from Ministry of Health and Quality of life including  the Director General Health Services , Director Laboratory Services, Permanent Secretary and representative from the State Law office.  The workshop was also attended by practitioners including specialists, blood donation organizers and NGOs.   At the end of the workshop, the draft policy was critically reviewed by more than 50 delegates who attended the workshop.  The National Blood Policy was then finalized and  the strategic objective for the action plan was developed with the participation of all stakeholders. The adoption of the Blood Policy will help in ensuring an adequate supply of safe and effective blood products and related medical services that are used appropriately for the benefit of all patients in Mauritius through the development of the strategic action plan and standards for blood transfusion service.