Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41768942›Full record

ReviewMedecine tropicale et sante internationale2025

[Transfusion risk in sub-Saharan Africa: current situation and challenges specific to the Democratic Republic of Congo].

Lambert Morisho Mulakwa, Archippe Muhandule Birindwa, Chérone Nancy Mbani Mpega Ntigui, Patrick Ntagereka Bisimwa, Sandrine Lydie Oyegue Liabagui

Abstract readReviewEnglish Abstract
In one paragraph

Review in Medecine tropicale et sante internationale, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Lambert Morisho MulakwaÉcole doctorale régionale d'Afrique centrale en infectiologie tropicale de Franceville, Université des sciences et techniques de Masuku (USTM), BP: 876 Franceville, Gabon.ORCID 0009-0008-2070-8280
Archippe Muhandule BirindwaLaboratoire de biologie moléculaire, Faculté de médecine et santé communautaire, Université évangélique en Afrique (UEA), BP: 3323 Bukavu, RDC.ORCID 0000-0002-0666-9763
Chérone Nancy Mbani Mpega NtiguiFaculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université des sciences et techniques de Masuku (USTM), BP: 914 Franceville, Gabon.
Patrick Ntagereka BisimwaLaboratoire de biologie moléculaire, Faculté de médecine et santé communautaire, Université évangélique en Afrique (UEA), BP: 3323 Bukavu, RDC.
Sandrine Lydie Oyegue LiabaguiÉcole doctorale régionale d'Afrique centrale en infectiologie tropicale de Franceville, Université des sciences et techniques de Masuku (USTM), BP: 876 Franceville, Gabon.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Introduction: Ensuring the safety of blood transfusions remains a significant health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Political instability, inadequate infrastructure, and the absence of comprehensive hemovigilance systems exacerbate the risks. This situation exposes blood transfusion recipients to post-transfusion complications, especially infectious ones, that could be avoided. Additionally, sociocultural mistrust of blood donation contributes to the shortage of safe blood products. This narrative review aims to address the current issues related to transfusion safety in SSA, particularly in the DRC. Method: An integrative narrative review was conducted from January to April 2025 using the following English and French keywords: "transfusion safety," "sub-Saharan Africa," "blood transfusion risks," "post-transfusion surveillance," "transfusion-transmitted infections," "hemovigilance," and "Democratic Republic of the Congo," either alone or in combination using Boolean operators. Original articles, systematic reviews, institutional reports, and recommendations from public health organizations published between 2000 and 2025 were included. The selection focused on sources relevant to transfusion safety systems, clinical practices in settings with limited resources, and surveillance models in low-and middle-income countries. Results: The DRC still lacks an operational national hemovigilance system. Transfusion management remains decentralized, fragmented, and insufficiently standardized, which compromises the quality and safety of care.The lack of traceability and incomplete screening sometimes expose recipients to avoidable risks. However, several local initiatives supported by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic institutions, or international programs are emerging. Identified levers include developing digital surveillance tools, networking sentinel laboratories, improving access to safe blood in peripheral areas, and creating regional centers for continuing education and applied research in transfusion safety. Conclusion: Ensuring the long-term safety of blood transfusions in the DRC requires a systemic, integrated, multisectoral approach based on contextual innovation, institutional support, and strengthening local research capacities. Political mobilization and strengthening partnerships are essential to establishing an effective hemovigilance system.

Indexed as

Blood SafetyBlood TransfusionTransfusion ReactionAfrica South of the SaharaDemocratic Republic of the CongoHumansDemocratic Republic of CongoHealth SystemsHemovigilancePost-Transfusion InfectionsSub-Saharan AfricaTransfusion Safety

Identifiers

PMID41768942
PMCPMC12948373

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.