Korean Red Cross

WHO (World Health Organization) collaborating center (WHO CC) is an institution designated by the WHO to carry out activities in support of WHO programs. Korean Red Cross Blood Service was designated as WHO CC in 2014.

• - the 1st redesignation in 2018
• - the 2nd redesignation in 2022

○ Areas of activity as WHO CC

• - Support WHO to assist targeted countries to enhance its national blood system by developing training materials and content supporting training activities as requested by WHO
• - Assist WHO for the promotion of guideline and provide technical advice to enhance the preparedness of a safe blood supply during an emergency situation
• - Publish educational (promotional) material to support improved voluntary blood donation and coordinate WHO¡¯s activity on improving public awareness of voluntary blood donation

○ Activities

• - Strengthen the capacity of LRC National Blood Transfusion Institute in providing safe and adequate blood supply (Lao People¡¯s Democratic Republic) (2021 ~ )

  Since 2021, Korean Red Cross Blood Services(KRCBS) had been closely cooperating for a project to promote Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donation(VNRBD) and increase the number of blood collection in Lao People¡¯s Democratic Republic(Lao PDR) with Lao Red Cross National Blood Transfusion Institute(LRC-NBTI).

  KRCBS contributed a total project budget of USD 65,000, and LRC-NBTC purchased two mobile buses, two tube sealers and 25 stress balls in 2021.

  And for a long-term cooperation, we have agreed on a a 4 years project and signed the first year project agreement(2023-2024). KRCBS gives financial support to purchase three mobile buses and six tube sealers, and LRC-NBTI staff get on-site training in Korea and Lao PDR.

  We expect that the rate of VNRBD(currently less than 75%) will gradually increase towards 100% and the national blood donation rate(currently around 0.8%) will reach over 1.0%.

• - Capacity building for blood transfusion service (Tanzania) (2016 - 2018)

  From 2016 to 2018, 45 delegates of Tanzania visited KRCBS for capacity building to enhance Tanzania's blood services and contribute to public health.

  Through the 3 years of training, the delegates were able to set up an action plan to secure a stable blood supply in Tanzania.

  As a result, blood collection in Tanzania has increased from 196,735 units in 2016 to 307,835 units in 2018.

• - Asia Pacific Workshop on Voluntary Blood Donor Recruitment in 2016

  The KRCBS hosted the 'Asia Pacific Workshop on Voluntary Blood Donor Recruitment' in 2016, in cooperation with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The purpose of the workshop was to raise the awareness of VNRBD and share best practices with national societies.

  24 countries participated in the workshop and discussed their VNRBD development strategies and opportunity for future cooperation.

○ Reference documents

    - Guidance on Ensuring a sufficient supply of safe blood and blood components during emergencies
    - Guidance on centralization of blood donation testing and processing
    - WHO Action framework to advance universal access to safe, effective and quality assured blood products