The USG PEPFAR program is a multi-country, multi-billion dollar initiative to prevent and treat HIV AIDS in developing countries (www.pepfar.gov). The PEPFAR program in Guyana has found the effectiveness, sustainability, and reach of prevention, care and treatment programs are directly compromised by the lack of reliable power at health facilities.
Key strategies for blood safety include ensuring consistent electricity and refrigeration to maintain blood supplies at blood banks.
Health facilities in developing countries need to maintain the cold chain to ensure that critical medicines, vaccines and supplies can reach those in need.