A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health has raised concerns about the impact of climate change on the global blood supply. Researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast and Australian Red Cross Lifeblood have highlighted the potential threats posed by health issues, infectious diseases, and extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.
According to Dr. Elvina Viennet, a researcher at Lifeblood and Adjunct Research Fellow at UniSC, the safety and availability of life-saving blood products are at risk due to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters such as heatwaves, floods, cyclones, and bushfires. These events not only limit the mobility of potential blood donors but also disrupt the storage, safety, and transportation of blood, which has a short shelf life. Dr. Viennet pointed out the recent example of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in Australia, which significantly reduced national blood supplies.
Lead researcher Associate Professor Helen Faddy emphasized that this study is the first to comprehensively examine how climate change could affect every stage of the blood supply chain. The findings suggest that climate change may impact the prevalence of infectious diseases transmitted via blood, leading to potential challenges in finding the right blood for patients.
Furthermore, the researchers highlighted the importance of adapting strategies to offer rapid responses to climate-related challenges. They recommended the implementation of critical tools such as early warning systems, disease surveillance, flexible donor eligibility approaches, and innovative blood transport methods during emergencies. Recent global innovations include cell salvage techniques during surgery, the use of drones for blood transport, and walking blood banks that collect donations at crisis sites.
In conclusion, the study underscores the urgent need to reduce reliance on traditional blood supply chains and develop adaptable strategies to address the evolving challenges posed by climate change. Governments and blood services are encouraged to implement these recommendations to ensure the safety and availability of blood products for critical medical procedures and emergency situations.
For more information, you can refer to the study titled “Blood under pressure: How climate change threatens blood safety and supply chains” published in The Lancet Planetary Health. This research highlights the importance of proactive measures to safeguard the global blood supply in the face of climate-related challenges.
This article was provided by Australian Red Cross Lifeblood and is subject to copyright. Please visit the provided links for more information on the study and its implications.
