Final Report - Retreat on blood safety, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala, 18-20 October; 1999

With the purpose of developing a common strategy that would foster collaboration, avoid duplication of efforts and promote information exchange, PAHO sponsored a three-day retreat with the participation of the institutions listed in Annex I, List of participants.

After detailed discussions (See Annex II - Agenda of Work), a consensus was reached on what are the barriers that curtail efficient national blood programs, what are the issues that need to be addressed, and how each of the institutions may contribute.

A Steering Committee, formed by AABB, IFRCRCS, WFH and coordinated by PAHO, was appointed with the specific task of developing a 5-year ­ work proposal and to search for funds to implement the plan of action.