How forging partnerships enabled universal access to safe blood in Nicaragua

Just six years ago, Nicaragua had less than 50 percent voluntary blood donations and relied heavily on replacement donors. Now the country has almost 100 percent universal access. Find out how partnerships helped achieve this milestone in a #HealthyMeans column by Dr. René Berríos from the Nicaraguan Red Cross.

By // 26 November 2014

Worldwide, more than 34 million Red Cross and Red Crescent donors choose to give blood every year in exchange only for the satisfaction of knowing they may save a life.

By establishing innovative partnerships, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, along with partners like the World Health Organization and national health ministries are working toward 100 percent voluntary blood donation as a means to ensure universal access to safe blood.

While this is not an easy task, the Nicaraguan Red Cross’ National Blood Service Program has been able to achieve this over the past six years. Today, they are responsible for the collection, processing and distribution of voluntary blood donation products for the entire country.

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About the author

  • René Berríos

    René Berríos

    Dr. René Berríos is the director of the National Blood Service and head of the Care Center for Hemophilia of the Nicaraguan Red Cross. Berríos has more than 24 years of experience in the area of blood services. His past leadership roles include director of the National Blood Program of Nicaraguan Red Cross from 2000 to 2009.

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