Uganda Hosts 11th AfSBT International Blood Transfusion Congress, Launching Today

The Republic of Uganda is privileged to host the 11th Africa Society for Blood Transfusion (AfSBT) Congress in Kampala. This esteemed event, themed “Embracing Global Innovations and Technological Advancements in Blood Transfusion Services,” will bring together prominent experts and stakeholders in the field of Blood Transfusion from across the continent and beyond.

The Congress aims to tackle the sustainability and expansion of blood transfusion services in Africa. The agenda includes opportunities to collaborate with industry partners, explore their latest technologies and innovations, and connect with colleagues.

Outlined below are the particulars and agenda of the Congress

Venue: Munyonyo Speke Resort, Uganda

Theme: Patient Blood Management

Moderators: Jenny White, Saliou Diop, Ravi Reddy

8:30-8:50 Registration

8:50-9:00 Opening statements, Jenny White

Session 1. Introduction to Patient Blood Management

9:00-9:20 Overview of PBM: Principles and goals of management, Mohammed Farouk

9:20-9:40 Study on Patient Blood Management in African Nations – findings, Claire Barrett

9:40-10:00 Enhancing PBM capability in Africa, Karin van den Berg

10:00-10:30 Dialogue

10:30-11:00 Refreshment break

Session 2. The three foundations of Patient Blood Management

11:00-11:25 Foundation I: Prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency in Africa and strategies for mitigation, Katerina Pavenski

11:25-12:05 Foundation II: Reduction of blood loss and optimization of coagulation – featuring polling, Claire Barrett

12:05-12:30 Foundation III: Utilizing and optimizing patient-specific physiological tolerance of anemia, Aggrey Dhabangi

12:30-12:45 Discussion

12:45-14:00 Lunch interval

Session 3. Interactive segment (group work)

14:00-14:40 Group activities in 3 teams on themes of:

  1. Approaches to implement PBM in LMICs and LICs

  2. Obstacles and hurdles to implement PBM in Africa

  3. Effects of PBM on healthcare

14:40-15:00 Presentation by group 1. Faten Moftah

15:00-15:20 Presentation by group 2. Thabiso Rapodile

15:20-15:40 Presentation by group 3. Fonkou Steve

15:40-16:10 Discussion

16:10-16:20 Concluding remarks, Jenny White