ABC directly supports with money and expertise blood safety efforts in former Russian republics. On a personal note, I was born in Brazil. I saw the problems that the country confronted, the immense amount of energy that Brazilians have applied to the development of a sophisticated blood system that is based on government supported regional centers that coexist with the private sector. I saw this system evolve and reach an enviable level of safety. Brazil reached that goal because of the foresight and dedication of a number of individuals that were trained in the U.S. and Europe and their influence in the Brazilian public health system.
Brazil is a success story in blood safety.
I am a very proud of having been a minor participant in that process. In addition, I have personally dedicated many days of my life to blood safety and availability in countries of Latin America and Asia. For these reasons, I consider myself sensitive to blood transfusion issues of the developing world and would like to share with you some thoughts derived from the experience of ABC members and from my own experience. Obviously, my words are tainted by my own personal biases, and I hope you will excuse me for that. The answer is almost unanimous.