The Blood Banking Challenge in Africa: The 'Safe Blood Africa' Response

Presented by John Edward Watson-Williams, M.D., past Professor of Medicine and Hematology on three continents, on Advisory Board for "The Safe Blood Africa Project" through the Rotary Club of Carmel Valley. One quarter of a million people die annually in Nigeria from lack of blood products. Its National Transfusion Service supplies 2% of the needs of its population of 150 million. In response to the monumental need for modern blood product services on the African continent, the Rotary Club of Carmel Valley founded "The Safe Blood Africa Project" in 2004. Dr Watson-Williams serves on its Advisory Board. Known as the "Father of Transfusion Medicine in Uganda", he has worked tirelessly in academic, missionary, voluntary, & service roles in many African countries. He will share with us his first hand experiences in tackling daunting medical, cultural, logistical, & financial challenges working to modernize hematological practices in Africa.