HIV in Uzbekistan

Ensuring donor blood safety is one of the key elements in preventing the spread of many blood-transmitted infections, including HIV. In this regard, the Republic of Uzbekistan adopted a number of legislative documents on improving donor blood services. The Government’s efforts in this area are supported by the Project. Red Crescent Society (RCS) of Uzbekistan as one of the Project sub-recipients implements the sub-project on enhancing the quality and quantity of blood donations in the country.

“Blood service is of strategic importance, as it concerns the issues of national security. Ensuring safety of donor blood for transfusions requires availability of sufficient reserves of donor blood at all times, which will enable proper examination of all donated blood. Therefore, securing adequate and reliable supply of blood can be sustainable only if there is a pool of regular voluntary donors from low-risk populations” – said Mr. Hamid Karimov, the Chairperson of RCS at the recent training for regional coordinators and social workers of RCS, which marked the rollout of the sub-project.

The trained specialists will carry out educational and advocacy activities among general population throughout the country, aimed at raising awareness on the urgent need to donate blood and widening the pool of regular voluntary donors, select potential donors and refer them to blood transfusion centers.

Securing safe blood for those in need in the framework of UNDP Project will be one of the powerful barriers to blood-transmitted infections, including HIV in Uzbekistan.