The National Blood Transfusion Center in Albania was established in 1951. The establishment of the NBTC was followed by the creation of 26 blood banks near each hospital to provide patient services at every hospital. The National Blood Transfusion Center (NBTC) has developed a legal and regulatory framework beginning with the first law on blood transfusion approved in 1995. Blood donation in Albania began as a remunerated practice. The first attempts at voluntary and nonremunerated blood donation (VNRBD) began in 1994 with cooperation between NBTC and the Albanian Red Cross, but without a clear definition of a promotional strategy. In 2004, the NBTC realized the need for voluntary nonremunerated blood donors, and with the technical assistance of the WHO, NBTC drafted the National Strategy for a Safe Blood Transfusion. The strategy laid the foundation for standardization of two of the main blood safety factors; qualitative donors and qualitative testing. The implementation of this strategy and the law marked continued success in the work of NBTC by recording increase in VNRBD and reduction in remunerated blood donations. Centralized testing of infectious agents was started in NBTC Tirana, with the implementation of fully automated testing. A new strategy will be launched this year aiming for 100% voluntary nonremunerated blood donors.
Introduction: The emergence of novel pathogens poses a significant and immediate threat to global blood safety, particularly in regions experiencing epidemiological shifts. This study urgently examines the prevalence and impact of newly identified pathogens among blood donors and recipients in Albania, focusing on assessing their implications for public health and transfusion medicine. Results revealed a prevalence of new pathogens among donors and patients, highlighting the potential risk of transmission through blood transfusion. Travel history, socioeconomic status, and urban-rural disparities significantly influenced pathogen prevalence. This study underscores the urgent need for enhanced screening protocols and public health interventions to mitigate the risks associated with emerging pathogens. Our findings contribute to a growing body of evidence emphasizing the crucial role of continuous surveillance and adaptive strategies in transfusion medicine to ensure blood safety and protect vulnerable populations in Albania and beyond. Conclusion: The study highlights the presence of emerging pathogens in blood donors and patients in Albania, underscoring their potential to significantly impact blood safety and public health. The findings emphasize the necessity for improved screening protocols, continuous epidemiological surveillance, and targeted public health interventions to address the risks associated with these pathogens. Adopting adaptive strategies in transfusion medicine is critical to safeguarding the health of donors and recipients in the region.
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