Blood Donor Recruitment in Africa: Evidence-based manual

09/07/25

Belgian Red Cross-Flanders (BRC-Fl) has developed an evidence-based Blood Donor Recruitment guideline and accompanying manual to support African Red Cross/Crescent Societies and blood services in increasing the number of voluntary non-remunerated blood donations. 

After conducting a scoping review to mapping the existing evidence on blood donation and safety in Africa in 2022, we formulated 14 research questions in close collaboration with a panel of 11 African experts in 2023. Next, we collected and summarized the underlying scientific evidence for these 14 questions. To ensure that the manual would reflect both scientific knowledge and practical field experience, this scientific foundation was then further enriched with insights from the same expert panel during a face-to-face panel meeting in 2024.

The manual offers blood donor recruiters the necessary knowledge and tools to increase voluntary blood donations and ensure a stable and safe blood supply, based on the best available scientific evidence. It covers a wide range of topics, including:

  • An introduction to blood, its components, and functions;
  • The blood donation process and measures to ensure safety for both donors and recipients;
  • Strategies for recruiting and retaining voluntary blood donors;
  • Practical tools such as a pre-donation talk script and a frequently asked questions (FAQ) list addressing key concerns in blood donor.

The manual serves as a comprehensive reference guide for blood donor recruiters in Africa. It provides essential information on the blood donation process, safety measures, and effective recruitment and retention strategies. 

To maximize its impact, the manual will be used in a Training of Trainers program, equipping African Red Cross/Crescent Societies with the skills to train new recruiters within their respective countries. This will facilitate the organization of local training sessions, ensuring widespread knowledge dissemination and capacity building.

Request your copy of the manual in English or French here.

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