HIV Screening in Blood Donors: Addressing Global Disparities and Advancing Technologies

Abstract

The review paper explores the intricate relationship between blood donation and the incidence of HIV, emphasizing the critical importance of advanced screening technologies and public health strategies in ensuring blood safety. The paper highlights how nucleic acid testing (NAT) has significantly enhanced the detection of HIV among blood donors, thereby reducing the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, particularly in low-resource settings where the implementation and maintenance of comprehensive screening methods are hindered by limited resources. The review discusses how demographic and socioeconomic factors, along with social attitudes and misconceptions about HIV and blood donation, impact donor participation and blood supply safety. It underscores the necessity for public health strategies that address these issues through targeted interventions and education. Furthermore, the paper advocates for international collaboration and support to address global disparities in blood donation practices. Ultimately, the review calls for a coordinated effort involving advanced screening technologies, strategic public health interventions, and community engagement to effectively mitigate the risks associated with blood donation and HIV.