JHAPA: HIV infection was detected in the blood of 29 donors in Jhapa over the past five fiscal years, according to the Nepal Red Cross Society’s blood transfusion service centres in the district.
The cases were identified during mandatory laboratory screening of donated blood for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis before transfusion to patients.
To ensure a safe blood supply, the Nepal Red Cross Society’s Jhapa branch has been operating blood transfusion service centres in Bhadrapur, Birtamod and Damak.
According to Shishir Dahal, in-charge of the Bhadrapur Blood Transfusion Service Centre, one donor tested HIV positive in the fiscal year 2078/79. The number increased to two in 2079/80, six in 2080/81, 14 in 2081/82 and six in 2082/83.
Dahal said that when donated blood tests positive for HIV, the donor is referred for further testing and counseling to confirm the diagnosis.
He informed that more than 17,000 units of safe blood are supplied annually to hospitals in Jhapa through the Nepal Red Cross Society’s blood transfusion service centres.
The district has more than 5,000 voluntary blood donors. However, blood shortages frequently occur during the monsoon season and peak farming periods, when blood donation programmes decline.
The demand for blood has also been rising due to an increasing number of patients suffering from cancer, kidney disease, anemia and other health conditions.
The Red Cross stated that screening tests conducted before and after blood donation play a vital role in protecting patients from potential infections.
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